Hello. Where is the best place in rotorua to catch a Maori Hangi show/dinner. Is it a worthwhile experience? Thanks!

We went to the Mai Ora concert and hangi at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia. http://www.nzmaori.co.nz/ We had a really good time; yes, it's a bit touristy, but we were tourists, after all. The food was good and the whole experience was a lot of fun.

Lee Ann

I agree with Lee Ann. As great and authentic an experience as a tourist has a right to expect. Go for it.

Hi - we did the Maitai show - we got picked up from our hostel and dropped off afterwards. The show was great, then there was the hangi - food was excellent - even for us as vegetarins! Then we were taken on a short woodland type walk to see the glow worms. The whole evening was fantastic and we found out that a lot of the performers were local high school students, 16 or 17. Highly recommend this. Enjoy!

Is it advisable to book these in advance?

Judilie, we went in April and booked ahead just to have that part of the trip arranged before we left. You may or may not need to, depending on when you'll be in New Zealand.

Lee Ann

We'd probably be going to the hangi either Tues., Nov. 13, or Wed., Nov. 14.

Unless there are school holidays in November, you probably won't need to book ahead. I would do it, but that's just me.

Lee Ann

Topping this ancient thread for some new comments...

How do you pronounce hangi? hang-ee or hahn-gee or??

Hung-ee

We didn't feel the need to go to a hangi, but then again we do not do anything "cultural" when we travel. We focus on natural features.