Tū Te Rā - Summer Harvest Celebration

Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours, plus return transfers
Destination: Te Pā Tū, between Rotorua and Taupō, New Zealand
Season: Summer - 1 October to 30 April (operates daily)
Start Times: 5.00pm, with additional 6.15pm and 7.30pm sessions on selected summer dates
Departure & Return Location: Central Rotorua

Tū Te Rā is Te Pā Tū's summer celebration, aligned with the maramataka - the Māori lunar calendar. Held in the Tawa forest on the ancestral land of Tauhara North No.2 Trust just south of Rotorua, the evening explores the rituals and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace through haka, song and a three-course feast of local, seasonal produce. 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.

Haka Pōwhiri: A traditional ceremonial welcome on to the pā.

Kapa Haka in Tūāpapa: A performance of traditional song and haka in Tūāpapa, the natural forest amphitheatre.

Forest Kai Horotai: Summer canapés served among the tawa trees - such as crispy pork with candied apple in kawakawa leaf, pāua, pickled pikopiko (fern frond), smoked fish and ika mata - with chilled kawakawa tea.

Stories and Pastimes: Time in the forest for stories, traditional games and conversation with your hosts.

Hāngī Lifting: Watch the hāngī (earth oven) being lifted alongside the spit roast.

Three-Course Feast: A seasonal three-course dinner blending tradition and innovation, served outdoors under the stars or in the wharekai (dining hall) when the weather requires, finishing with a complimentary chef's choice digestif and rongoā (native herbal) tea before 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
• Haka pōwhiri welcome
• Approximately 3.5 hours of haka, song and connection
• Forest kai horotai (summer canapés) with kawakawa tea
• Hāngī lifting and spit-roast viewing
• Seasonal three-course dinner
• Complimentary chef's choice digestif
• Complimentary rongoā (herbal) tea

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.