Experience the warmth of our Legacy Guided tours through NZ’s iconic living Maori village. Our Village guides are direct descendants of the early Māori guides who’s Legacy shaped tourism in New Zealand for generations. Their insights, knowledge and legendary hospitality (Manaakitanga) adds depth and richness to the experience you’ll have at Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village.

On the Whakarewarewa Guided Tour, you will:

• Explore an authentic living Māori village where people live on a daily basis, using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have for centuries.
• View the geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley including the world-famous Pōhutu geyser, boiling mud-pools, steam vents and bubbling pools.
• Learn what it’s like to live in the challenging geothermal plateau where daily life includes cooking in the bubbling pools and steam vents, and bathing in the refreshing therapeutic waters. Take in our various historical landmarks and buildings, including an active Marae (meeting grounds and focal point of Maori communities), our WWII Memorial Archway, historic churches, and tapu (sacred) burial grounds. Whakarewarewa is truly NZ’s iconic Living Maori Village experience.

Our Geothermal nature trails provide exclusive access to an untouched geothermal landscape where Visitors can experience the raw nature of Papatuanuku (mother earth). The Jurassic park-like landscape is described as providing regenerative powers as You find yourself face-to-face with Nature, Hot Spring Lakes, Mud Pools and native manuka bushlands.

The trails are self-guided walks ranging between 45 and 90 minutes and suitable for people with an average level of fitness. These trails combine views of native ferns, edible plants and glimpses of our unique geothermal landscape, including colourful steaming lakes and thermal pools that you can only view at Whakarewarewa. You will definitely find a most memorable photo-snap opportunity for your Facebook and Instagram profile! The Whaka Geothermal Trails will be an ongoing reserve development as we open new areas to be discovered.