The city of Rotorua and its surrounding area is an ideal place to start exploring the attractive and unusual Maori culture. There are many villages and settlements where traditions are kept and willingly shared with guests. One of the most popular places among tourists is the Maori village of Tamaki.

Of course, Tamaki Maori Village is a tourist attraction. So do not expect that there will be wild tribes and quite primitive life. Rather, it is a fascinating interactive open-air museum where ancient traditions are strictly observed, various rituals and shows are performed. All this is done according to a schedule so that each guest can plan a trip in advance and see what they are particularly interested in.

Before you go to the unknown world of Tamaki Maori Village, you should learn the rules of behavior in the village. The rules are registered in the brochure that is issued at the entrance. If you go with a guide, be sure to check with him: where to take off your shoes, where to take off your hats, and where it is better not to enter without an invitation.
Although this is a public place and a tourist destination, the rules of behavior and respect for traditions have not been canceled.

Residents of Tamaki Maori Village give colorful concerts in the evenings. This is not just a national art with songs, it is real performances and rituals that involve more than a dozen people. It looks impressive, especially against the background of the sunset sky in the light of the fire.

It is not uncommon for scholars to come to the village to study Maori traditions. And they visit this place not only to learn how they performed rituals many centuries ago but also to consult with old residents, to clarify the nuances of traditions that are carefully preserved and passed on to their descendants. Although they live in the city, and not in a forest hut, they continue to honor the memory of their ancestors.

The colorfulness of the place and the variety of activities put Tamaki Maori Village in the top 10 places to visit in New Zealand according to TripAdvisor.