Guided Tours

Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village Guided Tour

Whakarewarewa Maori Village guide explaining geothermal features in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Whakarewarewa Maori Village geothermal landscape with traditional Maori carvings, Rotorua, New Zealand.

Experience New Zealand’s only living Māori village, where locals live as their ancestors did. See the Pōhutu geyser and more on a guided tour with a Māori descendant.

Highlights

Discover New Zealand’s only living Māori village, where locals use geothermal steam to cook food, heat homes, and bathe, just as their ancestors did.
Step into a living, breathing Māori community where you witness everyday life up close—without the tourist gloss.
Walk through sacred burial grounds and an active Marae, a central part of village life where community events and ceremonies are still held today.
Explore how traditional Māori customs blend with modern living in a village surrounded by bubbling hot springs and steam vents.
Did you know? Hot pools sometimes pop up overnight in this village, changing the landscape—and occasionally a house!

Inclusions

1-hour tour of Whakarewarewa Village
English-speaking guide
Entry to Whakarewarewa Village

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your experience

Explore a living Māori village

Join a guided tour through Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, led by a local descendant of the village’s first guides. As you walk through the village, you’ll see how the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people rely on geothermal energy for everyday life. Watch how they cook traditional meals in natural steam vents and soak in hot pools. Your guide will explain how geothermal forces have shaped the land and lifestyle, including the Pōhutu geyser—the largest in the southern hemisphere—that erupts regularly, sending boiling water and steam up to 30 meters into the air.

Geothermal wonders and cultural heritage

You’ll visit sacred Māori landmarks, including the village Marae (meeting grounds), where the community still gathers for important events, and burial grounds honoring those lost in World War II. Your guide will offer insights into the village’s unique blend of ancient traditions and modern life, and how the landscape is constantly evolving with new hot pools and steam vents. The experience offers a deeper understanding of how the Māori people have adapted to live in harmony with the land for centuries, right in the heart of an active geothermal zone.

Know before you go

What to bring

Bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat for your tour.
Bring local currency or your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What's not allowed

Nobody likes a crowd. A single group has a maximum of 20 or 30 people.

Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Additional Information

The weather here tends to bring unexpected twists. Dress in layers for adaptable comfort.
Children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Keep a close eye on children, especially younger ones. It's recommended you hold their hands for safety.
Remember that Whakarewarewa is a living village. Stay on the marked trails to respect its people.
Follow all warnings and signs. Watch out for cars in the village.
Whakarewarewa is a geothermal village with unpredictable activity. The village takes all necessary precautions to ensure safety, but guests need to follow all instructions and safety rules.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.