Tū Te Ihi - Winter Matariki Celebration

Duration: Approximately 3 hours, plus return transfers
Destination: Te Pā Tū, between Rotorua and Taupō, New Zealand
Season: Winter - 1 May to 30 September (operates 5 days a week)
Start Time: Evening event begins at 5.00pm
Departure & Return Location: Central Rotorua

Tū Te Ihi celebrates winter and Matariki, the Māori New Year, at Te Pā Tū - a forest sanctuary on the ancestral land of Tauhara North No.2 Trust, just south of Rotorua. Set in an 1800s village, the evening moves from a fire ceremony welcome through fireside storytelling and kapa haka to a Matariki-inspired hākari (feast) cooked in a traditional hāngī. Te Pā Tū won the Visitor Experience and Tourism Excellence awards at the 2024 New Zealand Tourism Awards.

The Evening

Transfer from Rotorua: Complimentary coach transfer from central Rotorua to Te Pā Tū.

Ahi Tuku (Fire Ceremony): A traditional welcome on arrival, centred on the warmth of the fire.

Kai Horotai: Seasonal forest canapés made with indigenous and introduced ingredients, served with kawakawa tea and a hearty boil-up broth.

Fireside Wānanga: Conversation around the fire covering Māori history, traditional games, taonga pūoro (musical instruments) and the customs of Matariki.

Matariki Hākari: A curated Māori fusion feast with each dish inspired by a star of the Matariki cluster, including lamb and vegetables from the hāngī (earth oven). Kapa haka is performed during dinner service, and your hosts join you at the table for kōrero (conversation).

Poroporoaki: The evening closes with a farewell ceremony, followed by complimentary rongoā (native herbal) tea and the return transfer to Rotorua.

Tour Price
• Prices are per person and include the complimentary return transfer from central Rotorua.
• Select the travel period and Adult or Child (5-15 years) above. Children under 5 - please enquire.
• Rates valid 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028.
• Prices are subject to availability and are guaranteed only on confirmation and full payment.
• Group bookings of 10 or more guests are available on request.
• Programme content and menus may change with the season and are subject to change without notice.

Inclusions:
• Complimentary return transfer from central Rotorua
• Ahi Tuku fire ceremony welcome
• Approximately three hours of storytelling, connection and kai (food)
• Kai horotai forest canapés, kawakawa tea and broth
• Complimentary chef's choice aperitif
• Matariki-inspired Māori fusion hākari (feast), including traditional hāngī lamb and vegetables
• Kapa haka performance
• Complimentary rongoā (herbal) tea
• Wheelchair and child-buggy accessible

Exclusions:
• Flights and accommodation
• Transfers from outside central Rotorua
• Beverages other than those mentioned (Māori wine and non-alcoholic pairings are available from the licensed bar)
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Anything not specifically mentioned as included

Please note:
• Return transfers operate from selected central Rotorua accommodation and the designated Rotorua pick-up point, and must be arranged before travel.
• Dietary requirements: due to the traditional preparation methods, Te Pā Tū can cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets only. Requests must be advised at the time of booking. A coeliac-safe kitchen cannot be guaranteed.
• Parts of the experience are outdoors on natural terrain with low lighting and uneven surfaces - wear sturdy footwear and bring warm layers.
• The experience is presented in English and te reo Māori.
• Please advise any accessibility requirements at the time of booking.
• Late arrivals may miss parts of the experience and no refund applies for missed elements.
• Cancellation: free of charge 48 hours or more before travel; 50% charge within 24 hours; 100% charge on the day of travel. Group (10+) bookings have separate terms.
• Te Pā Tū may cancel or amend an experience due to weather, minimum numbers or circumstances beyond its control.
• Closed Christmas Day.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.