This was the entrance to the Tamaki village. We were picked up by a bus and on the bus we appointed a chief. From our Kiwi Experience bus, Jacob from Denmark was our chief. He really enjoyed this title.
This was the formal entrance and we couldn't pass into the village until the peace ritual was performed and accepted.
Emerging from the forest was the chief.
Then the warrior came out and did the haka. The Haka was inspired by the Moa bird, a thirteen foot tall bird which is extinct. The All Blacks perform the Haka before each game.
The peace offering went over smoothly and we were allowed entry to the village.
In the village you could visit different huts and learn about Maori culture, stories, and traditions. This lady talked about dress and how they made traditional clothes.
This guy was awesome. He told us about tattoos... or as kiwi's like to say "tadooz"
A horn was sound and we were beckoned to the hut where the Hangi was going to be unveiled. Hangi is the traditional way of cooking food int he ground. They heat up volcanic rocks and then place the food on top and let it slow cook in the ground for hours.
The Chief then invited us to the concert hall before dinner.
Amazing concert. Didn't want it to end.
Then it was dinner time. Dinner was amazing. Buffet style. all the Kiwi experience travelers had a couple plates. It was nice to have something to eat other then 2-minute noodles.
There was singing and dancing after dinner and the chiefs were taught how to perform the Haka.
If you are in New Zealand and in Rotorua I highly recommend this Tamaki village experience.
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