Tamaki Heritage Village
Tamaki Heritage Village
4
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4.0
7 reviews
Excellent
4
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
callkm
Narre Warren, Australia120 contributions
We were collected and taken to the Tamaki Heritage Village by bus, entertained by Mike all the way.
On arrival we were greeted in Maori then in English. We saw arts and crafts taking place and engaged with the maori people asking questions and seeing how they lived before colonisation. Then suddenly the atmosphere changed and we were in the middle of a battle ground before being ushered off to a meeting house. We learned how the introduction of the musket overturned the lives and tradition of the maori culture then the doors opened and we watched the battle which resulted in the death of the warrior chief.
A tram ride moved us through time then we found ourselves at a colonial township. Here we learned the impact of religion, the concept of the Treaty of Waitangi, the introduction of education, the loss of identity and loss of language affected the Maori people. This was then summed up through the world wars to urbanisation, to renaissance of culture through the 70s and through to today when they celebrate a multi-cultural society. All the while being led through the township to a building where we were later entertained with singing of traditional songs and provided a traditional hangi banquet which was delicious. After we had filled our own plates with food several of the children and adults came and sat at the tables with us to eat as well. It was great, they chatted with us and answered our questions. They even asked a few of their own.
After our feast we walked a very short distance to their train station and caught a 100 year old steam train back past the Maori Pa site to our bus.
Characters, costumes and authenticity of delivery was abundant. There were even the children and babies participating in the delivery which radiated the feelings of the people, the confusion and the losses they endured.
An experience not to be missed, even if history does not interest you. Thoroughly enjoyed and would see again, suitable for children to go to, and well worth the money. Photography is permitted throughout the whole tour.
On arrival we were greeted in Maori then in English. We saw arts and crafts taking place and engaged with the maori people asking questions and seeing how they lived before colonisation. Then suddenly the atmosphere changed and we were in the middle of a battle ground before being ushered off to a meeting house. We learned how the introduction of the musket overturned the lives and tradition of the maori culture then the doors opened and we watched the battle which resulted in the death of the warrior chief.
A tram ride moved us through time then we found ourselves at a colonial township. Here we learned the impact of religion, the concept of the Treaty of Waitangi, the introduction of education, the loss of identity and loss of language affected the Maori people. This was then summed up through the world wars to urbanisation, to renaissance of culture through the 70s and through to today when they celebrate a multi-cultural society. All the while being led through the township to a building where we were later entertained with singing of traditional songs and provided a traditional hangi banquet which was delicious. After we had filled our own plates with food several of the children and adults came and sat at the tables with us to eat as well. It was great, they chatted with us and answered our questions. They even asked a few of their own.
After our feast we walked a very short distance to their train station and caught a 100 year old steam train back past the Maori Pa site to our bus.
Characters, costumes and authenticity of delivery was abundant. There were even the children and babies participating in the delivery which radiated the feelings of the people, the confusion and the losses they endured.
An experience not to be missed, even if history does not interest you. Thoroughly enjoyed and would see again, suitable for children to go to, and well worth the money. Photography is permitted throughout the whole tour.
Written 5 February 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kozkan
australia387 contributions
In 2003 we took some friends to see JOURNEY OF THE AGES in Rotorua and have always recommended it to EVERYONE I know planning to visit NZ. I've said it is the ONLY Maori show they should see in Rotorua - nothing else can compare!
Earlier this year we went to Christchurch and the first thing I booked was THE CHRONICLES OF UITARA. We were so enthralled with it that we hardly took any pictures or video! It was a lovingly emotive experience and truly deserving of all the awards and praises of which I've read. The Tamaki Brothers team are to be applauded for all their efforts in bringing this part of the story to life.
And I have said it before, but it worth saying again, your website describing the shows is absolutely stunning! My background is advertising and graphic design, so perhaps I appreciate the beauty of such things with an added dimension.
I look forward to seeing the Auckland show when it is ready!
Earlier this year we went to Christchurch and the first thing I booked was THE CHRONICLES OF UITARA. We were so enthralled with it that we hardly took any pictures or video! It was a lovingly emotive experience and truly deserving of all the awards and praises of which I've read. The Tamaki Brothers team are to be applauded for all their efforts in bringing this part of the story to life.
And I have said it before, but it worth saying again, your website describing the shows is absolutely stunning! My background is advertising and graphic design, so perhaps I appreciate the beauty of such things with an added dimension.
I look forward to seeing the Auckland show when it is ready!
Written 27 April 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WEC52
Singapore, Singapore12 contributions
We left slightly disappointed. Six of us, ie, my children, wife and in-laws, felt that the show's story didn't come across well. The huts and props were welcome but too empty and simple. The dinner was mediocre, but the haka was enjoyable. Overall, we felt the experience was below what we expected.
Written 16 December 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TSR71-Nguyen
Melbourne83 contributions
Initially I was a bit sceptical about paying $100+ for this sort of thing, but by the middle of it I couldn't believe the value I was getting for my money. I have my wife to thank for 'dragging' me along to this show - it was great! The costume & make-up, the sets, the story, the actors, and the sound/effects were all of a very high standard. I still can't believe they can put on all that and feed the audience for such a low price!
It was very entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. The shuttle bus even dropped us off at the airport after the show! And lastly, it's always nice to learn a bit about the history of the country you're visiting.
It was very entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. The shuttle bus even dropped us off at the airport after the show! And lastly, it's always nice to learn a bit about the history of the country you're visiting.
Written 7 February 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noela O
Perth, Australia56 contributions
Feb 2016
This is a well orchestrated and finely tuned experience. For the price it is well worth the visit - don't eat before you go as the Maori Feast is AMAZING!
Written 30 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maehem
Melbourne84 contributions
Nov 2010
I had high expectations when I made a booking for this because my experience at Tamaki Village in Rotorua was exceptional.
However, I was left somewhat disappointed. Firstly, it was difficult to find because signage is not clear and we were left waiting for over 45mins in the wrong carpark. Sure, this was partly our fault... but we did make 5 phone calls and each time was told that someone would collect us from the carpark... so instead of arriving 15mins early for the show, we ended up missing the first 30mins of the show. Not a great start...
The bad points: food was 'so-so' It wasn't fantastic, I did expect a bit better quality, but it was ok, although dessert wasn't included. That was surprising considering how much money we had to pay, I think some simple cakes, ice-cream or fruit would have been nice. The set-up was a bit amateurish, with the shows being housed in sheds... I think we paid a bit too much money for what we got.
The good points: The staff were friendly, but not always helpful (we were left in the carpark for 45mins!). The actors and the show was good, and was interactive in parts and made the audience feel like they were part of the show, loved that.
The actors were happy to have a chat and take photos with us after the show. TheHaka that involves the audience members was awesome and fun.
Tip: look out for the signs to the entrance so you don't miss out on the beginning of the show!
However, I was left somewhat disappointed. Firstly, it was difficult to find because signage is not clear and we were left waiting for over 45mins in the wrong carpark. Sure, this was partly our fault... but we did make 5 phone calls and each time was told that someone would collect us from the carpark... so instead of arriving 15mins early for the show, we ended up missing the first 30mins of the show. Not a great start...
The bad points: food was 'so-so' It wasn't fantastic, I did expect a bit better quality, but it was ok, although dessert wasn't included. That was surprising considering how much money we had to pay, I think some simple cakes, ice-cream or fruit would have been nice. The set-up was a bit amateurish, with the shows being housed in sheds... I think we paid a bit too much money for what we got.
The good points: The staff were friendly, but not always helpful (we were left in the carpark for 45mins!). The actors and the show was good, and was interactive in parts and made the audience feel like they were part of the show, loved that.
The actors were happy to have a chat and take photos with us after the show. TheHaka that involves the audience members was awesome and fun.
Tip: look out for the signs to the entrance so you don't miss out on the beginning of the show!
Written 20 March 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this one in Christchurch still open? Or permanently closed?
Written 8 July 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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