Maori Cultural Village

　　The Maori Cultural Village is situated in the southeastern part of Rotorua and borders the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. It attracts visitors from around the world with its rich Maori cultural heritage. The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and the original inhabitants of this land. Travelers from all over can enjoy captivating and awe-inspiring Maori song and dance performances, admire both rustic and intricate Maori carvings, and learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Maori people at this cultural village.

　　The village features restored traditional Maori houses gathered in one area, with an exhibition hall at its center showcasing unique Maori carvings—an ideal place for visitors to gain insight into Maori culture. Early Maori homes were built from flax and palm branches, simple and low to the ground, so that one could not stand upright inside. The Maori have a long and storied history, and their distinctive cultural arts are well worth exploring at a leisurely pace. The Maori are skilled in cooking with geothermal heat, and visitors to Rotorua can savor authentic hangi (stone-boiled feast), where thin stones heated by geothermal energy are placed in an earth oven to cook food, offering a uniquely flavorful experience.