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
About Our People
Get to know the fascinating characters who shaped Whakarewarewa. Find out about the guides who shaped tourism in Rotorua, through to the guides you will meet on your own visit.
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About Our Culture
Learn about the culture and history of the Māori people and how our legacy continues to define and shape modern life in New Zealand today.
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About Our Village
Discover the rich, long-standing history of the Whakarewarewa geothermal area and the Village that we still call home today.
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Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship
We believe that there is a deep relationship between people and the natural world. Find out how we value Kaitiakitanga, or guardianship of the land.
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Manaakitanga – Hospitality
When you visit us, you are visiting both a home and an organisation that is owned by the tangata whenua – the people of the place.
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Accreditation & Affiliations
Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village, is a proud to hold the highest levels of Tourism accreditations in New Zealand, as well as being an active member of associations across the industry.
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