A popular dessert often served as part of a Te Arawa hangi, is a steamed pudding and the royal couple had a demonstration of how it is made.
The Duke and Duchess had a chance to see the steam boxes outside the wharekai and in the kitchen, Rene Mitchell who "runs the marae" gave them a sneak peek at the before and after.
"I had all the ingredients ready so I showed them that and then the finished product," Mitchell said.
As she pulled off the tea towel to show them the finished product they thought it was "wonderful", she said.
"They said especially with it being cooked using the thermal it was really interesting."
Mitchell learned how to make the steamed pudding from her mum and aunty who grew up on the marae.
"In the old days we used to make everything ourselves and it was very simple.
Read more:
• Rotorua feeling a sense of pride at royal visit display
• No need to be embarrassed, let your royal flag fly
• Crowd delighted as royal couple do a walkabout at Rotorua's Government Gardens
"Over time people have added to it."
As the couple left she said haere mai and welcomed them to Rotorua.
