Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Village back from taking Maori culture to the sub-continent (+video)

Whakarewarewa Maori Village's trip to take Maori tourism to the sub-continent was a
"great success".

Whakarewarewa head of Asian marketing Vishal Sharma spearheaded the three week trip in February.

"It was a great experience," he said.

Mr Sharma represented New Zealand as one of the 22 countries who had stalls at the Surajkund International Mela, organised by the Haryana tourism department.

"It was the 31st year of the mela and the first time New Zealand was there, close to 200,000 people came through every day," he said.

"They got so excited by our stall, they were all so excited by the tiki and taking selfies with our signs which said I love New Zealand."

The aim of the trip was to begin a cultural exchange and make connections within the Indian tourism industry.

"It was an exchange of knowledge," Mr Sharma said.

"Not many people in New Zealand take it that far, it was a privilege being able to talk about New Zealand in all three of my languages - Punjab, Hindi and English."

Vishal Sharma spreading a love of New Zealand at the Surajkund International Mela. Photo/Supplied

The trip included a press conference at the Lake Club Chandigarh.

"We got more than 1000 views on Facebook, we were on two news shows and in 16 Indian newspapers," he said.

"We're breaking down the barriers for New Zealand."

Now back in Rotorua, Mr Sharma's inbox is full of opportunities.

"We made some very good contacts willing to work with us in tourism opportunities within Rotorua and New Zealand," he said.

"The plan is to go back in a big way next year, taking a cultural performance group and adding more value to the Suraj Kund Festival. With the support of Haryana State tourism."