The Solo Scale:

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I’ll preface this review with a disclaimer. Whenever a culture is the focal point of a tourist activity, it’s a complicated issue. Yes, it’s commodified and a form of entertainment instead of a genuine experience. On the other hand, these experiences can expose people to new cultures and ideas. With any cultural ceremonies or sites, my goal is always to go in with respect and learn as much as I can.

Arriving in Rotorua, there’s no shortage of things to do. You could go to the spa, see a show at the Agrodome, enjoy the sulfuric smells, or enjoy one of the nearby adventure options.

When it comes time to make your choices about where you’ll eat dinner, there’s an option outside of the traditional restaurant route. That choosing a Māori dinner and show. When I went to New Zealand, my agent coordinated an evening at the Mitai Māori Village. It includes a complimentary (included in the price) pick-up from your hotel. When you arrive, the visit starts with a walk through the forest. This is a highlight because one of the best drives I’ve had on the North Island is the road in and out of Rotorua. Being in the forest made me feel like I was right in the middle of that incredible foliage. You also get to see the fairy springs in daylight before the sun sets.

Next, you head to a village recreation and to see dinner preparations (the hangi). Then, several of the Māori men will arrive in the war canoe before the show begins.

After the war canoe arrives, the group heads to a medium-sized theatre. This has bench seating for everyone and plenty of room. Even though there was room for more, there was enough space to stretch out. During the demonstration, the locals performed dances, a haka, sang songs, and played games to demonstrate just a sliver of their culture. As I mentioned, I know that this is absolutely the tourist version, but it still gave me even the slightest better understanding and made me want to learn more.

Once the show is over, it’s time for dinner. This is where you get to mingle and meet new people. I had another solo traveller at my table, and then there were people from all over the world. Dinner was a mixed bag, with fantastic seafood chowder (the best I’d had in ages), lamb & chicken that were passable and just okay, and then some extremely garlicky bread. Dessert was nothing to write home about, but still a tasty swiss roll and pavlova was available.

Once dinner was finished and the sun had gone down, we returned to the forest in the dark to see the bio luminescence of the glow-worms.

I will say, the one downside to the whole evening is how abruptly it comes to a close. You’re well-fed, you’re riding a high of the entertainment and meeting new people. Then, all of a sudden, you’re all boarding transportation that takes you back to the hotel. However, you’ll be full of delicious food and with incredible memories that you’ll never forget from Mitai Māori Village.

For more details to have your own experience, check out the website here.

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