We invite you to a rare opportunity to experience the very cornerstone of Maori custom and culture.

Your evening begins with your arrival at the Visitor Centre Courtyard. Your elected leader (Rangatira) stands brave at the vanguard of your party, while across the village grounds, the local people in their traditional costumes wait patiently to welcome you onto their marae. The Marae is central to Maori culture, heritage, lifestyle, customs and ritual.

Suddenly a spinechilling cry is heard ”Kia Hiwa Ra, Kia Hiwa Ra!!” Even the bravest feel shivers down the spine - this is the fierce wero or challenge. A single warrior breaks ranks and dances toward the Group in orchestrated movements of provocation and challenge, uttering fearsome cries of defiance directed at the Rangatira - leader.

With flashing eyes and contorted facial features he draws ever closer, dancing and posturing while always maintaining eye contact until his thrusting and parrying Taiaha (carved wooden staff) comes within centimeters of our leader....quite suddenly he retreats a short distance bends down and places a token (Taki) on the ground...gestures to the leader to accept it - the Rangatira picks it up, accepting the challenge. The warrior signals an invitation for us to enter the Marae!”

“Haere Mai, Nga Manuhiri Tuarangi e, Welcome to you visitors from afar” a female voice rings out across the distance between our two groups. So begins a journey into the unique and mysterious world of the Maori people.

You are welcomed and embraced and greeted in the Maori way of pressing noses (Hongi), which reinforces the uniting of visitor and host in friendship and welcome.

The customary protocols completed, you are guided to the new Wairakei Terraces and living Maori Village. Guides will tell the Stories and history of New Zealand, Ngatoroirangi, Ngati Tuwharetoa and explain the various art forms featured in the Village as you make your way to the next venue where a meal that has been prepared and cooked in a traditional ground oven (Hangi), waits you.

Then when you think you have seen and experienced something special, the evening is brought to a dramatic climax with a spectacular performance of Song, Dance and Haka. Dressed in traditional costume, singing beautiful waiata and performing defiant Haka, the artists unique and emotional performance will fascinate and delight, leaving you with an experience that will not easily be forgotton.

Bookings for our evening Cultural Experience are essential