Tamaki Māori Village

Kiwi Education has a partnership with the Tamaki Māori Village.
See below how you can benefit from this partnership!

About

It was 1989 and brothers Mike and Doug Tamaki embarked on a journey that would forever change the world around them.

With his vision jotted down on a cafe serviette, Mike Tamaki, master storyteller convinced his brother Doug to sell his beloved Harley and trade it in for a 16-seater Japanese minibus.

And so, it began. But it wasn’t your ordinary bus tour. In true cowboy style, Mike and Doug pioneered their way into the hearts of visitors from all over the world – literally carving their own path on many occasions. It didn’t matter that the bus didn’t always make it up the hill or that the concerts took place in a tent – it was raw, real, and their spirit was infectious.

Word spread about the two Māori boys and the vehicle they created to share the untold stories of the Māori people. An impressive series of accolades and awards followed as Tamaki Māori Village rose to the top from the ground up.

Now 30 years later, Tamaki has become an iconic brand in tourism – a leading force that pioneers and inspires through authentic and meaningful cultural experiences that the world continues to applaud and celebrate. Tamaki Māori Village is the most award-winning cultural attraction in New Zealand and was voted the 7th best experience in the world by TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice award in 2018.

Of the People, By the People

Of the people and by the people, Mike and Doug’s passion and relentless determination to do things a little bit differently took the world by storm. It was always about capturing the true essence and synergy of the Māori culture and helping it evolve. It was combining tradition and contemporary elements, honouring legends from the days of old and placing value to their worth and wisdom today.

Tamaki Māori Village is where the past, present and future of Māori culture thrives.

Brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers – Tamaki Māori Village became a gathering place for generations of Māori families who came together to share their culture. The social impact for the local Rotorua community that Tamaki created was huge – with countless numbers of Māori offered not just employment but an opportunity to do something truly meaningful.

It meant starting conversations, a korero, within the Māori community to strengthen identities but also a korero with a global audience. Tamaki Māori Village became a vehicle of exchange and the world was listening.

A never-ending Story 

The first chapter in Mike and Doug’s story began 30 years ago. This beginning, this one story brought people from all around the world to Tamaki Māori Village and connected their journeys here – home to our people, our land and our spirit.

When you take your first steps into their home, they will speak of their mountains, rivers and waters, to welcome you into their world. So that wherever your journey leads to, you will always have a sense of belonging.

What they offer

TWILIGHT EXPERIENCE MAKUE! KAI E! – A whakatau ceremony marks entry into their Tawa forest and evening celebrating their connection to the land, forests, waterways and each other. Includes Whakatau ceremony, interactive dinner experience making a Puku Burger, Māori style canapés and tasters, traditional pastimes and activities, Kapa Haka – live music and hosting, complimentary drink and a dessert by firelight.

DAYTIME EXPERIENCE HUI E! KAI E! – After a whakatau ceremony you’re pretty much whanau. So roll your sleeves up, roll your dough out and get your fried bread cooking. While the barby is going have a korero with your host before tucking in to a Māori infused fried bread burger you’ve helped whip up. With a happy puku you’ll explore old pastimes & hear more about the histories with their friendly host. This experience is interactive, educational and with small groups it offers a deeper connection with their people, history & culture. Includes: Whakatau ceremony on arrival, interactive lunch experience, fried bread burger, fries, Horopito aioli, relishes, dressings and salads, all kai is infused with Māori flavours, kawakawa cold & hot brews, storytelling, sharing & traditional past times.

OVERNIGHT STAY – Extend your journey with an Overnight Stay beneath the shelter of our ancient Tawa forest. Immerse yourself in the Māori way of life. Learn about their history, customs, protocols and who they are today as proud and thriving Māori. A chance to connect with the local Māori guides one on one – making the most of your stay at New Zealand’s most awarded cultural attraction.
Enjoy an exclusive afternoon of traditional Māori activities before participating in our Evening Experience and Māori hangi feast. Afterwards, gather around a blazing bonfire where you will enjoy Māori myths and legends, and stories from their history, before relaxing in one of private forest spa pools. Retire for the night in a traditional carved wharemoe (sleeping house).

“Māori culture thrives today because it has continued to evolve, while holding steadfast to our customs and beliefs. Our ancestors carved a very distinct pathway for us to follow in to the future. This pathway is the platform we proudly tell our stories  from and this what we do here at Tamaki Māori Village. We share the true essence of who we are through our stories .”

Mike Tamaki
Founder

Contact us right now and request your discount!