Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools is the Living Maori village of Whakarewarewa situated in Rotorua, the heart of the North Island.

Discover and meet the people of Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao and experience a people who have come to live in harmony amidst this unique environment of geothermal wonders.

See firsthand the geothermal activity and how it is used in everyday life with hot springs and steam vents used for cooking (natural cooktops and ovens) and the natural mineral waters used for communal bathing.

Mingle with the villagers who are always delighted to share their knowledge and pastimes within the Whakarewarewa Village, the place they call home. Learn about the traditions and culture which has been passed down and upheld for generations and how in today’s world these traditions are still very much alive and strong.

Listen as your guide shares stories of the Maori migration from the legendary homeland Hawaiiki to Aotearoa, New Zealand. Discover how the geothermal activity came to be in the area and stories surrounding the Mt Tarawera eruption.

Surrounded by a mixture of geothermal activity, from the spray of the geysers to the plopping of mud pools and beauty of the mineral pools, each feature has its own uniqueness and are significant to the village in someway. Every single pool, geyser or fumarole in the entire valley has a name. These features are named after our ancestors, events or incidents and are a part of the history of the tribe.

See Mother Nature unleash an awesome display of energy through the Pohutu and Prince of Wales Feathers geysers, a natural event which demonstrates the powerful forces within earths core. Be enlightened by participating in the interactive activities which may include weaving, displays of musical instruments & weaponry or learn a waiata-a-ringa (action song) and or haka.

Please Note: There is NO ACCESS to the geysers from the village. The geysers can be viewed from two lookout platforms.