Feedback

New Zealand

7

Reasons To
Visit New Zealand

  • Food & wine

    This small nation has established a name for fabulous wineries, many internationally acclaimed. Whilst most will point connoisseurs to the Marlborough region for the finest vintages, Hawkes Bay and Martinborough should not be ignored. A trip here would not be complete without trying the local 'fush 'n' chups' or traditional Maori fare either.

    Food & wine

  • Landscapes

    For a small country, New Zealand incorporates landscapes as diverse as they come. Mountains, volcanoes, beaches, lakes, fiords, valleys and caves - to the everyday traveller these remarkable sights are other-worldly. Both the North and South islands share many common features, but are also wonderfully contrasting.

    Landscapes

  • Light adventure

    It's not necessary to throw yourself off a suspended platform in order to fully experience New Zealand. Alternative options include air safaris over White Island, heli-hiking the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers and wilderness cruises in Milford and Doubful Sounds.

    Light adventure

  • Maori culture

    New Zealanders are proud of their Maori roots. Maori song, dance and mythology are prevalent, towns are adorned with carvings and rooms are dressed in flax weavings. Most physical locations also have Maori names with literal translations such as Waimakariri River (Cold water river).

    Maori culture

  • Outdoors & coastal living

    The 'outdoors' perception of New Zealanders is not something consciously cultivated; with such a plentitude of mountains, beaches, fiords lakes and forests on their doorstep it is simply a way of life.

    Outdoors & coastal living

  • Self-drive

    New Zealand has wonderful roads - scenic, safe and, especially on the South Island, largely empty. They even drive on the left and some of the most scenic routes are waymarked. There are car hire stations at all of New Zealand's airports.

    Self-drive

  • Walking & trekking

    There are so many excellent hikes - or 'tramps' as the locals call them - in New Zealand that it is sometimes difficult to know which one to select. We feature several of the country's 'great walks' which can easily be incorportated into any itinerary.

    Walking & trekking

Request a Brochure

Audley New Zealand and the South Pacific Brochure

New Zealand & the South Pacific

By Post Download Online 7437603
PrintShareLike

Excursions in New Zealand: Mitai Maori Night

This evening of Maori culture is both entertaining and educational. The cultural display, performed by a talented local cast, consists of the formal welcome, traditional dances and Maori weaponry display, as well as the arrival of the warriors by ancient canoe.

Maori dancers, Rotorua
Maori dancers, RotoruaMitai Maori cultural evening, RotoruaTraditional Maori hangi food, Rotorua

Mitai Maori Night

Rotorua, New Zealand
  • Culture & History
  • Food & Wine
  • Walking & Biking

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, as well as the arrival of the warriors by ancient canoe (waka).

The history and legends of the tribe are relayed through stories and song, and the carvings and tattoo art are explained. 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.

You may also be interested in...

{B889891F-F34E-419B-B3DD-83E77921C689}Maori Culture in New Zealand

The influence of Maori culture can be seen all over New Zealand from traditional song and dance to local carvings and structures. Discover some of the Maori experiences available through Audley.

Read Travel Guide

Further reading:
New ZealandRegions of New ZealandWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout New ZealandCountry Guides

Other countries in Australasia:
AustraliaFrench PolynesiaSamoaThe Cook IslandsFiji

{625227F8-2474-4670-8815-A96B195C1288}