Our People, Our Culture & Our Village

About Our Living Māori Village

Whakarewarewa Village is the legacy and home of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, who have been sharing their unique way of life with visitors from all around the world for over two hundred years.

Able to trace their ancestry back to the Te Arawa people who first occupied the valley in 1325, generations of guides have been pioneering leaders of tourism in New Zealand. Since the early 1800’s they have been hosting and welcoming guests into their homes and backyards, sharing insights into Māori culture, as well as demonstrating the utilization of the natural geothermal wonders for cooking, bathing and heating. The continuing use of the natural geothermal landscape of the valley continues to delight and fascinate tourists visiting Whakarewarewa today.

The people of Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao have been the trail blazers of the tourism industry in Rotorua and New Zealand. It is our goal to continue the legacy and to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors.

Our Purpose

“Rangatira for Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao”

We wish to be leaders for the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people by preserving our culture and honouring the legacy of the generations that have come before. The people of Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao have developed and lead the tourism industry in Rotorua and New Zealand for generations. It is our goal to continue the legacy and to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors. We hope to uphold this legacy through honouring the traditions of our people, which include the following principles:

• Kaitiakitanga – Protector & Guardian of resources
• Manaakitanga – Hospitality Excellence
• Mâtauranga Māori – Preservation and sharing of our history and knowledge
• Taonga Tuku Iho – Custodians of our treasured heritage