Maori Village and Hangi

Nau mai, Haere mai

At Mitai Maori Village you will receive an introduction into Maori customs and traditions, rituals, beliefs, protocol and language.

Mitai Maori Village

Come and meet the People of the Land at Mitai Maori Village. The Mitai Family endeavour to bring you the most authentic Maori Cultural experience in NZ today. This experience includes the world famous Fairy Spring, the Maori war canoe (waka) paddle-by, Maori song and dance (haka), traditionally cooked hangi meal, glow worm tour and an evening bush walk and talk about Maori medicines. Sudden movement amongst a sea of green alerts you to the fact that you are not alone in this enchanted forest. The swirling waters of the sacred spring mingle with the approaching chants of the warriors on the Maori war canoe (waka) as if coming from the past they breathe life into the raw culture which has survived the tides of change. We are proud to be Maori and honored to share with you the stories, trial, tribulations and teachings of the ancient Maori. The ancient village has gone but its people remain. We take you from the present to the past so please remember this ‘there’s more than meets the eye. A truly unique and awe inspiring experience.

War Canoe/Waka

Hand carved by the Mitai family, the waka (ancient war canoe) paddles by, leaving you spellbound. See warriors by night in traditional dress traveling down the Wai-O-Whiro Stream as was done many years ago. This experience is powerful, emotional, truly captivating and unforgettable.

Cultural Performance

Our cultural performance is real, raw and earthy. It is a fascinating performance full of emotion and power. In the tranquil natural bush setting, our performers take you back in time when the ancient Maori customs and traditions were part of everyday life. Through songs and dances plus tales and legends told, you will learn a great deal about our fascinating past. You will hear tales about the way we interacted with the European settlers many generations ago, our music, carving, the usefulness of plants and ta moko (tattooing). Tattoos are just one of the ways that demonstrate the strong ties that Maori people have with their cultural heritage and we will explain why. The displays of weaponry and combat that are shown during the performance will fascinate you. Coupled with the grace and beauty of the poi dance and the spine tingling haka finale, this is an interactive, and unforgettable experience for absolutely everyone to enjoy.

Hangi Meal

Mitai are proud to offer you an authentic hangi meal that is cooked in the earth oven known as 'the hangi pit'. Your menu includes a hot selection of succulent New Zealand Lamb & Chicken, Potatoes (Rewai), Sweet Potato (Kumara) and stuffing (a combination of Bread, Mixed Herbs, Corn, Carrots & Peas). Side dishes include scalloped potatoes baked with a cheese topping and freshly baked Garlic Bread. A range of salads is on offer including Corn salad, Cauliflower with Sesame Seeds, Rice, Ranchslaw and Freshly Tossed Garden Salad. Your hangi meal is complemented with rich brown gravy and thick mint sauce. Desserts include tropical Fruit Salad, chocolate Log, and Trifle with Cream. Full bar facilities are available and Chilled Spring Water straight from Fairy Spring is served to your table.

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