New Zealand’s Tamaki Māori Village experience in Rotorua started with the proceeds of the sale of a Harley Davidson motorcycle and has since grown into a multi award-winning tourism attraction.

Now, after an evening watching Māori cultural performances and eating a hāngi (a meal cooked below ground), visitors don’t have to leave! Instead, the cultural experience loved by international visitors for many years can be extended to an overnight stay in a purpose-built wharemoe (sleeping house). This communal sleeping arrangement is traditional in marae (meeting places) around the country, but has so far not been widely available to visitors.

Although the experience is an authentic taste of New Zealand culture, the facilities will not be as primitive as original wharemoe, with heating and single-sex bathrooms providing modern creature comforts. Guests will have the option of staying on after breakfast to learn more about Māori arts and crafts, or perhaps joining a haka lesson for a more in-depth cultural fix.

Overnight stays will no doubt become popular as many travellers seek to immerse themselves in Aotearoa’s unique Māori culture. So go authentic and include an overnight stay in the Tamaki Māori Village when you visit Rotorua!

Check out our top 6 Maori cultural experiences.