Te Pa Tu - The Gathering Place

I’ve visited here twice - once in 2019 and again this month. I was disappointed the first time - most of those leading the tour didn’t seem like they wanted to be there, and it felt a bit half hearted. I also felt a little like I was tolerated, not welcomed, and sensed an arrogance from some people we encountered. This time was totally different. There was an amazing sense of warmth in the family’s welcome, and I sensed an incredible pride in their effort to show the world their culture. Their performance was the best I have seen anywhere (in any culture) - boy this family can sing! They are all incredibly friendly , engaging and intelligent. The food was stunning - a huge improvement over my last visit. I learned from our table host, Waitangi, that her father, the chief, took over after Covid. He has created something special here now, and is doing an amazing job as not only chief and host, but as a father - his children were incredibly gracious, welcoming and brilliant hosts as well as outstanding performers. Fantastic and very emotional experience. A must do when visiting Rotorua.

I have had the absolute joy of experiencing Te Pā Tū twice. The first time, I thought it to be so good, that I planned my family vacation around coming back, so that they too, could bare witness to Te Pā Tū's incredible performances, games and kai (food). The passion of the staff and artists is infectious and I found myself grinning ear to ear both times. Te Pā Tū feels like a big family that welcome you with open arms. I very much enjoyed participating in traditional Māori games and it was wonderful to see everyone get involved. Big Baz, you are a talented musician, people should pay just to simply hear you sing. Tiaana, as always, thank you for being a wonderful host. I count down the days until I am back on the doorsteps of Te Pā Tū. Kia ora!

This experience was great! The village was beautiful in the dusk with soft rain and log fires burning outside little huts where we were taught some traditional Maori activities from this tribe. The whole thing was run by members of an extended family who were both funny and charming. The musical performances were of a very high standard and the feast was absolutely delicious ( and I am very particular about my food! ) - , excellent canapes,mussels, whitebait fritters, warm rolls with truffle butter, confi duck with watercress and orange salad, hanging cooked lamb, wagyu short rib, root veg. 3 little desserts each. Definitely the best food I've had in 5 weeks in N Z. Fun bus ride each way. Yes, it's touristy but they are open about this, wanting to share their culture with us and they created a very warm, welcoming and informative experience.

My family and I loved this experience, the hosts were genuine and welcoming. Environment was beautiful and we learnt so much. Performance was fantastic and my kids were just enthralled. The food was 1st rate, really delicious and well balanced flavours. Thank you for sharing your culture with us with such sincerity.

Maybe because iit was raining something in the tour was cut short. More like going to a broadway production. Enjoyable but not the cultural exposure our guide had suggested. After seeing natural geysers in Iceland this looked like a baking soda school project. Very crowded and unorganized. Definitely not a spiritual experience. Reading your reply surprises me that you are not concerned that it was not a cultural experience for me or most in our group. We had one on one experiences that were inspiring. Yours was more entertainment. Which would be fine if we had not been mislead by our guide that it would give us more of the cultural experience we had already. Again. It appears our tour was shortened because of rain. Giving it the benefit of the doubt that there is usually more content. Luckily I didn't have any expectations for the advertised geyser. Thanks for your clarification. Our tour was the one location including the cermony and thermal. Out of respect I did not photograph the ceremony.

An awesome combination of dinner and a cultural show. When you enter the property you are welcomed by a traditional Māori Haka and then shown how their people lived in ancient times. You are then treated to an amazing four-course dinner. The staff and performers are extremely friendly, courteous and love to show you the ancient traditions of their people.

This is a beautiful intercultural encounter, and has helped me feel more familiar with the Maori people, as well as helping uplift me on a personal spiritual level. The fire at the beginning helped me say goodbye to my babies who are now in heaven.

This was one of my favorite New Zealand activities and an absolute must on the North Island. The cultural experience as a whole was enlightening, beautiful, and fun, and the hāngī was delicious. One of my favorite parts was the haka, which was just so moving and exciting; it felt like the whole room sat in awe. Everyone involved has my utmost respect for what they do and the culture they preserve. I am very thankful to have been a part of this incredible experience! What to expect: - A bus ride from the pick-up location in downtown Rotorua to the village - A traditional welcome - A rotation of 3-4 cultural activities that come with a small food item or drink (my favorite was the ginger tea with the stick balancing game) - A show featuring singing as well as the haka - The hāngī with much delicious food (my favorites were the short rib and pavlova dessert) and an incredible performance at the end that brought all cultures together (I still feel moved when I think about this) - A bus ride back to the pick-up location in downtown Rotorua Note: Please be respectful of all cultural activities and traditions.