Te Puia (2014.354)

Te Puia is a Maori Cultural centre in the Te Whakarewarewa thermal valley, just outside Rotorua. It’s an interesting fusion of activities, with geothermal sites, a kiwi observation house, displays of Maori culture, and an operational school for Maori crafts. Our guide took us around, describing the place with knowledge and humour. It was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.

The visit begins with the pōwhiri ceremonial welcome, where a Maori warrior presents a rautapu (a leaf or effigy) to the visiting group. This traditional ceremony is a demonstration of the martial prowess of the warriors and tests the steadfastness of the visitors. It’s an impressive site even from the side. This shot was taken just as the warrior is retreating fron the rautapu, awaiting the visitor's pickup of the leaves.

Following the pōwhiri we were taken to a hall where the residents performed a concert of stories for us.