We had a great Maori cultural experience at the end of day. We started off by being transported to the village by a bus. Our bus was called "Weka". We were on a Journey together in a 'large canoe' (ie bus) a "Waka" in Maori. So our group was "Waka Weka" hehehe! Reminded me of the Muppets.
We were welcomed by the village Chief who challenged our appointed "chief" from our bus to show that he approached in peace. After our symbolic offering was accepted, we were welcomed to enter the village.
Various Maori people led us through different stations showing us games, weaving, and dancing. They prepared a feast in giant steam pits. We ate and they performed more native music for us.
This game involved stepping left or right and letting go of your stick to catch the next one.
Some Maori history from the chief. These peoples traveling from other islands in Polynesia and landed in NZ in the 1300s. This is when they formed a new identity as Maori.
Men in our group learning a warrior dance
Those who performed for us had beautiful voices.
The location of the "village" (it was for tourists only, not inhabited), was in the forest with amazingly tall trees!
Racks of steamed food for dinner.
Steaming pits - hot rocks doused with water
All in all a very fun evening.
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