We will be traveling in NZ in February, and need help selecting from the many Maori cultural shows in the following locations we will be visiting:

Auckland Museum
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Rotorua: Te Puia, Whakarewarewa, Tamaki, or Mitai

Also, do you recommend a hangi or not, and if so which one?

We will also be visiting the Te Papa Museum in Wellington for their Maori exhibits.

Thanks.

We visited Te Puia www.tepuia.com for their evening concert and hangi in 2004. It was really interesting, not too touristy, and very enjoyable. The food at the hangi was good, too.

Lee Ann

BandB,

I can't help that much as we didn't go to Rotorua or see any Maori shows, but we did enjoy Te Papa, not just the "Maori" exhibits but the whole place which is very well done.

if you have time, the Wellington Museum of City and Sea is also very good but don't go anywhere near the exhibit about the ferry disaster if you're about to get on the boat to Picton like we were.

We went to Te Puia but were told by the cashier that if we did the tour in the afternoon there was a native dance show at around 3pm for free included. It is basically the same as the night deal but without the meal and we saved quite a bit of money doing it that way.

Yes, definitely try a hangi - any of the Rotorua options - Te Puia or Mitai maybe the least 'touristy' - and wherever, the food is good.

Re the ferry disaster - that ferry, the Wahine, sank in a storm the likes of which hasn't been seen since in Wellington. People who were here (yes I live here now) say they have never experienced anything close since. So chances are the day you sail, if you do, it won't be like that - and if it's even close, they'll cancel the sailing!

capekidnappers - the ferry we were booked on was delayed, but more due to the problems caused by the breakdown of one of the boats i think. it was very windy but by the time we boarded the ferry, the winds had dropped quite a lot.

has the new boat turned up yet? There were loads of rumours that it was coming from China, or the UK - in either case, it was going to take a while!

Replacement ferry arrived but then broke down. You can read all about it here:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=11188870

When the weather and conditions are good, the Interislander ferry ride is a joy.

diamantina - We enjoyed our crossing very much, though we were slightly worried because of the very windy weather that had preceded it. The scenery and bird watching was great and we were pleasantly surprised to find that you could see the SI almost from the off. I'd happily do it again, though I am not a great sailor.

The trip can occasionally be rough but of the three hour sailing only one hour is in the open water so if you can hang on for that bit the rest is sheltered - and very scenic, either coming in/leaving Wellington harbour or the Marlborough Sounds - watch for dolphins!

There are two ferry companies, the Interislander had one ferry break down just before Christmas and a replacement from Europe started sailing in January but had an issue one sailing. The media beat it up - the company has actually done an incredible job in peak holiday times making sure passengers get across - I've crossed six times in the past two months no problems. Bluebridge is the other company - also recommended. Well that's my bit!

Let me first disclose that I enjoy any type of culture show touristy or not. Food is not as important, though I like to taste local or distinctive foods. I have been to NZ this month, 4 years ago, and 8 years ago, so some of my info is dated.

I was just at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds last week.
The show is ~ 30 minutes long. It was small and sweet. The performers were all young (one only participated in part of the group dance/sing and seemed to be learning). They made a big point of taking photos with everyone who attended. Check the schedule for shows on the hour. I thought it worth the NZ$10.

8 years ago I went to Te Puia and thought it a great experience with knowledgeable tour guide, show, interesting crafts, and kiwis. I went to Tamaki for hangi dinner--spent an hour on the bus picking people up, then the recreated village and show (not as good as cultural center or one I saw in Auckland), then dinner which was very good. At the time, the desk clerk said they were recommending Tamaki for food, but another hangi for show.

4 years ago I was in Rotorua with a friend and we went to Te Puia for a tour just before the hangi and show. I remember enjoying the walk at sunset and getting my friend up on the stage during the participation part of the show (not done in
Waitangi). Dinner was not memorable. Guess I should always write a trip report to help with the details--now to do that for the trip just ended. Maybe this weekend.

While cooking dinner I thought of some more show details (remembering this could be dated) that might help comparison. The Waitangi group performed on the floor maybe 5 feet from the benches of people--maybe 6-7 rows of people. Their singing was LOUD. One woman had a fabulous voice, but what volume!

The Te Puia show was performed on a raised stage with a larger audience area, but not a large crowd when I attended.

The Tamaki show was in a larger tiered theater type arrangement with more seating and possibly larger audience.