Traditionally, Te Pō is an intimate time for sharing knowledge. Te Pō is also Te Puia’s authentic evening cultural experience – a feast of food, culture and friendship. It begins every night at Te-Heketanga-a-Rangi (The Heavenly Origins). The space comprises twelve monumental carvings reaching skywards, each one representing a Māori diety. Hear the stories of the past and see how these traditions live on today.

Ritual welcome

Visitors will then assemble at the waharoa (gateway) of the fully carved traditional marae (gathering place). The rituals of the encounter will be explained to you and a chief selected from within your group. Then you will experience an authentic Māori welcome. This will include a challenge by our fierce warriors, a karanga (call) from our women welcoming you onto our marae, and a whaikorero (welcome speech).

Time to relax

Once inside the sacred meeting house, and following the formal elements of the welcome, visitors can relax and enjoy a top-class performance including the beautiful waiata (songs), the vigorous haka (challenge), and the elegant poi dance. You will then be invited to participate alongside our group and learn some of our customs from the past including our musical instruments, haka, poi and weaponry.

Traditional food

Feeding guests is regarded by Māori as an honour and a sign of a tribe’s mana (standing), so a sumptuous banquet is provided during the evening. This banquet combines contemporary cuisine with a traditional hangi (earth-cooked oven meal), where kai (food) is steam-cooked by hot rocks in the earth, giving it a delicious smoky flavour.

Illuminated attractions

Following dessert, you will be transported by our people movers to enjoy the spectacular lighting of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Guests can wander around the illuminated natural attractions, including Pohutu geyser, while enjoying more Māori-inspired delicacies and a hot drink.