Ohinemutu Historic Site, Rotorua 3010, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Ohinemutu is a living Māori village set on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua.
Just 10 minutes’ walk from downtown Rotorua is the Māori village of Ohinemutu. This place is home to the Ngāti Whakaue tribe, a sub-tribe of the Te Arawa waka (canoe) which journeyed from the Pacific homeland of Hawaiiki to New Zealand around 1350AD. The location was chosen for its lakeside setting and abundant geothermal energy, used for cooking, bathing and heating.
Visitors are welcome to walk around this living village, at no charge, to view the cooking arrangements over the boiling hot water vents and to see the outdoor bathing sheds. Remember to keep to the paths at all times.
Ohinemutu became the main centre for the Rotorua region in the early 1870s. Visitors, including royalty, arrived at this bustling settlement before going on to visit the Pink and White terraces at Lake Tarawera, and to experience the healing waters of Rotorua.
Today the village retains a sense of importance. The large meeting house provides the setting for many significant occasions for the people of this area.
Epic New Zealand Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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