Mitai Maori Village, Rotorua

This evening of Maori culture is both entertaining and educational. The cultural display, performed by a talented local cast, consists of the formal welcome (powhiri), traditional dances and Maori weaponry display. The history and legends of the tribe are relayed through stories and song. This is followed by a traditionally cooked Maori feast (hangi); an impressive, delicious spread consisting of chicken, lamb, kumara and potato cooked in an underground oven, accompanied by fresh salads and breads. After dinner you can enjoy a guided bush walk to the famous Rainbow/Fairy springs. The glow-worms and well lit springs give the evening a really magical feel as your guide takes you through the medicines, food and other uses of native flora and fauna. Your hosts are incredibly proud of their heritage and eager to answer any questions you may have.

Urban Maori Experience with Potiki Tours, Auckland

This full day excursion combines urban, forest and beach locations to provide a variety of experiences which allow you to learn about traditional and contemporary Maori culture at the same time. Potiki Adventures is a Maori owned and operated Auckland-based company, and their excellent guides will fill your day with the myths and legends which are such an important part of their heritage. You will visit Maungakiekie (One Tree hill), originally the site of Auckland's most important Maori fortified village, and now a beautiful public park. From the summit there are excellent city and sea views, and your guide will explain how it became to be so sacred. In some of the city's trendier suburbs you will be introduced to authentic Maori arts and crafts, and you will stop for lunch in a local cafe. Later in the day you will take a bush walk through some of the native forest to be found on the coastal outskirts of the city, and learn some of the ancestral knowledge of the traditional Maori medicinal and practical uses for the plants and trees. End the day with a stroll on the velvety sands of one of Auckland's famous black sand beaches - this is the realm of Tangaroa, the God of the Sea. Potiki tours are authentic, innovative and truly memorable, and provide a unique experience of New Zealand's largest city.

Whale Rider Touring, Eastland

Witi Ihimaera’s acclaimed novel and film brought the legend of the Maori ancestor Paikea to international fame. Paikea was one of the royal sons of Hawaiki, who is said to have come to New Zealand on the back of a whale, and today many Maori people can trace their whakapapa or genealogy to this warrior. Much of the story is set in Whangara, 29 kilometres north of Gisborne, where you can take a tour with the tribal elder and cultural advisor to the film, Hone Taumaunu.