Whakarewarewa Thermal Village
"Te Whakarewarewatanga O Te Ope Taua A Wahiao" meaning "The uprising of the warriors (war party) of Wahiao". Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and bubbling hot pools is the living thermal village of Whakarewarewa, situated in the heart of the tourist diamond of Rotorua. Discover our unique lifestyle and traditions. Join a guided tour and witness the phenomena of mother nature and learn how we have com
Discover and meet the people of Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao and experience a people who have come to live in harmony amidst this unique environment of geothermal wonders. See firsthand the geothermal activity and how it is used in everyday life with hot springs and steam vents used for cooking (natural cooktops and ovens) and the natural mineral waters used for communal bathing. Mingle with the villagers who are always delighted to share their knowledge and pastimes within the Whakarewarewa Village, the place they call home.
Learn about the traditions and culture which has been passed down and upheld for generations and how in today’s world these traditions are still very much alive and strong. As with every active community, events within the village are for ever changing. Your visit could coincide with tribal gathering, funerals or weddings.
Listen as your guide shares stories of the Maori migration from the legendary homeland Hawaiiki to Aotearoa, New Zealand. Discover how the geothermal activity came to be in the area and stories surrounding the Mt Tarawera eruption. The guides will share their experiences and stories which have been passed on to them through the generations.
The Whare Tupuna (ancestral house) is of great significance to the people of this village. This building preserves and retains carved and woven panels which display the genealogy, history and culture of the Tuhourangi, Ngati Wahiao tribe.
Surrounded by a mixture of geothermal activity, from the spray of the geysers to the plopping of mud pools and beauty of the mineral pools, each feature has its own uniqueness and are significant to the village in someway.
The retention of the Maori language is of importance to the people and culture. You will see the pre-school and hear the children as they go about their activities speaking in their native tongue.
