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Te Pā Tū Evening Cultural Experience - Private Tour from Auckland

Offered by ExperienceKart

From

$1,299.00 per person

5.0 (21 reviews)

Instant Confirmation

Check Availability on Viator

Booking handled by our partner, Viator

12 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Tour Overview

Embark on a journey that takes you from the bustling heart of Auckland to the immersive, culturally rich experience of Te Pā Tū. This private day trip is not just a travel plan but a gateway to understanding the deep-rooted traditions and spirited way of life of the Māori people.

Starting in Auckland, we ensure a convenient pick-up from most locations within the CBD, catering to your convenience right from the outset. As we leave the city, our route southwards takes us through the Bombay Hills. Here, the landscape subtly shifts, marking the geographical divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. This area, named after the ship 'Bombay', provides a gentle, scenic prelude to the dramatic cultural immersion that follows.

Mid-journey, we pause in the unique town of Tirau, a place that delights with its creative use of corrugated iron, transforming this material into remarkable, large-scale sculptures. This town, often buzzing with visitors exploring its antique shops and distinctive architecture, offers a pleasant break and a chance to stretch your legs with a coffee or light snack.

The highlight of our trip is the visit to Te Pā Tū, nestled on the outskirts of Rotorua. Here, you'll be welcomed with the powhiri, an ancient Māori welcoming ceremony, which sets the tone for an evening of cultural exploration. As night falls, the forest and the village light up with activities showcasing traditional Māori crafts like weaving and carving, along with thrilling performances of the haka and poi.

Your participation isn't just welcome; it's encouraged. Engage with the history and the people, and dine on a Hangi feast, where food is lovingly prepared using ancient earth oven techniques. This meal not only tantalizes the palate but also connects you to a history that has been lovingly preserved and shared across generations.

As the evening winds down, we return to Auckland, leaving you enriched by the powerful performances and heartfelt stories of Te

What's Included

  • Feast on a traditional four course Māori-fusion feast dinner and desserts
  • Immerse yourself in the traditional Māori way of life
  • Private transportation
  • Complimentary refreshments and water on board
  • Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland
  • Complimentary chef choice aperitif
  • Witness the blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre
  • Forest canapes
  • Enjoy the traditional Māori welcome ceremony
  • Complimentary High Speed Internet on-board the minibus
  • Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Enjoy 3.5 hours of traditional, powerful, and entertaining Māori cultural performance
  • Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland
  • The most awarded cultural tourism attraction in New Zealand
  • WiFi on board
  • Admission to 3.5 hours of performance, entertainment, and kai hākari (feasting)
  • Hear the amazing history of the village ancestors
  • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
  • Complimentary chef choice aperitif
  • Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (food)

Not Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Auckland Central

    We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.

    15 minutes

  2. 2

    Bombay

    The Bombay Hills are a range of hills to the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Though only a small and seemingly insignificant range of hills, they lie at the southern boundary of the Auckland region, and serve as a divide between Auckland and the Waikato region. directly named after the ship Bombay, The ship itself was named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Bombay Means: a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Robert Harris

    We stop to get some great coffee, tea, scones or pies (at your own expense) and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Waikato region.

    15 minutes

  4. 4

    Dog and Sheep Shaped Corrugated Metal Buildings

    We will also pass through the unique town of Tirau (the corrugated iron sculpture capital of the world) known for its antique shops and animal-shaped corrugated iron buildings.

    10 minutes

  5. 5

    Government Gardens

    Before we head on to Te Pā Tū, we visit and discover the fantastic local landmarks, including the Museum, Government Gardens, Lake Rotorua, and Blue baths, as well as a multitude of picturesque and gorgeous surrounding areas. The Museum and Blue Baths building are currently CLOSED due to seismic issues.

    15 minutes

  6. 6

    Te Pa Tu - The Gathering Place

    The most award-winning Māori culture attraction in New Zealand... Embark on a journey to the outskirts of Rotorua, to a Māori village nestled in an ancient forest. Voted Top 10 Experience in the World, this is a cultural experience like no other. Delivered with genuine heart and soul, Te Pā Tū offers a window in to a truly riveting, spirited way of life.​ Experience an evening of ceremonial ritual, powerful cultural performance, storytelling & Hangi feasting. Warriors emerge from the forest by canoe to perform the powhiri, an ancient ceremony of welcome that allows visitors safe passage into the village nestled within a native Tawa Forest. As you wander beneath the stunning forest canopy, the pre-European village the village comes alive with sights, sounds & activity of days gone by including haka, poi, tattooing, weaving, carving and arts of warrior training. You will have the opportunity to participate in these activities.

    4 hours

    Admission: Included

  7. 7

    Auckland Central

    ​After an enchanting fun-filled cultural experience at Rotorua, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland. We can also drop you at your accommodation in Rotorua if you are staying locally in the region.

    15 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Or Meet At Meeting point

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland

8 Customs Street East, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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End Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
  • Please also bring a jersey or coat if it is cold.
  • Easy and good fitness level required.
  • Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
  • Special dietary requirements catered for upon request, please advise at the time of booking. Preferences and requests cannot be guaranteed. Special requests are subject to availability.
  • Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
  • Tours operate in all weather conditions.
  • Take plenty of warm clothing; the village temperature drops markedly in the evening, bone-chilling icy.
  • A cash bar is available for purchase of alcohol (at an additional cost).
  • Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Kawakawa tea and water is included as part of the dinner
  • Given the nature of our Māori kai (cuisine), we are unable to cater to all dietary needs. While we can meet gluten free requirements, we are not a coeliac approved kitchen. We can cater to vegetarian dietary requests, however are unable to cater to vegan requirements.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.