The night we were in Rotorua we were picked up by bus from the Tamaki Maori Village, about 15km south of Rotorua. The bus driver was part of the entertainment as he welcomed everyone onto his bus in at least 40 different languages. One of his first jobs was to make sure we learned all the Maori greeting of Kia Ora. He talked all the way to the village and all the way back and he sang too.
The experience was quite similar to a Hawaiian Luau.
Entrance to Maori Village.
Dinner has just been dug up from the Hangi (earthen pit) and was then served buffet style.
We had white fish done in a sauce, lamb and chicken. All of them delicious. There were big bowls of potatoes and kumara (a Maori staple, root vegetable similar to sweet potato), carrots, stuffing, cranberries, a mint sauce and a round bread. Dessert was a hot chocolate sponge pudding and pavlova with fruit.
Some of the visitors (males only) being taught the Haka, Maori war dance. Note two young boys beside their dad - having such a good time.
Two of the Maori dancers showing their battle face, meant to terrify the enemy.
It was a fun evening that we all enjoyed.
Kia Ora!
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