Tamaki Maori Village

16.05.12

We travelled slightly back on our selves back towards the east coast to Rotorua, this was our first real introduction to the Maori culture.

We spent the arvo in the heated pool at the hostel (would have been rude not to) before I finally got my arse in gear and posted another load of postcards to the oldies.

In the evening we were taken to the Tamaki Maori Village, we saw traditional games, how they trained for combat (very similar to a keeno SAQ session) as well as the methods and symbolism behind their tattoos. There was of course an introduction to the haka performed by some of the boys from the audience.

This was followed by a traditional dance and song performance by the 'locals' which ended with a much more intimidating performance of the haka.

Food followed! Massive buffet of roast dinner! Was the most meat I've eaten in a long time!

This blip was from the traditional games, Dan and Jen plus a.n.other teaching to catch falling sticks.