Share Maori way of life with Mitai whanau
Graceful maidens, fierce warriors and steamed cooked food may be part of the usual line up at a Maori cultural evening but an encounter at Mitai Maori Village is far from ordinary.
I have been lucky enough to see this show several times since it launched in October 2002. Good from day one, it has evolved into an amazing, spine-tingling experience that endeavours (and I believe succeeds brilliantly) to subtly educate visitors about Maori history, contemporary issues, culture and values whilst providing a great night of entertainment based on traditional Maori kapa haka (performing arts) and traditional kai (food).
Owner Wetini Mitai, along with the many members of his extended family he employs to assist with the operation, take a fierce pride in delivering a genuine quality experience at Mitai. Their aim is to give visitors the most authentic Maori cultural experience in New Zealand, and guests’ comments would suggest they are achieving that goal. James Feeney of Ireland said “I was extremely impressed, a fantastic night, one of the most enjoyable nights of our lives.” Australian Margaret Jackson said “Thank you for your hospitality, an educational evening – magical!” According to Leo Lam of Canada “It was phenomenal – and I would definitely recommend it to others.”
Mitai Maori Village in Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua, stands on what was once part of a huge block of Maori (Ngati Whakaue) owned land that stretched right down to the shores of Lake Rotorua. The natural bush setting with its natural trout springs and crystal-clear stream is the prefect backdrop to discover the ancient Maori customs and traditions that were once part of everyday life. It’s tranquil, the air in the urban forest is fresh and clean, and it’s easy to forget you’re just minutes from the centre of Rotorua city and mere metres from SH5, a major 247km long highway that links the Waikato with the Hawke’s Bay.
The evening offers lots of opportunities to interact with the tangata whenua – people of the land, see old-time village life re-enacted, hear stories and songs, see demonstrations of weaponry, fitness and dance including the grace and beauty of the poi and the energy and power of the famous haka. Partake of a traditional steam cooked hangi meal. Of course purist may say things like mint sauce, gravy, garlic bread, chocolate log and fruit trifle are hardly traditional but they are part of modern Maori diets so some license is allowed.
This ‘far from ordinary’ evening also includes a magical ‘paddle by’ on the Wai-O-Whiro Stream by Maori warriors in a war canoe (waka) down the. Other treats include a chance to spend some quiet time watching the sleepy trout and eels at the world-famous Fairy Spring, a bush walk incorporating a talk about Maori medicines and glow worm viewing.
The ancient village may have gone but its people remain. If you get a chance, take a journey with members of the extended Mitai whanau and share their past in a way that is real and raw but full of emotion and revelations.
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