Tamaki Maori Village

A wet and windy evening took us to Tamaki Maori Village. It was a great evening which started with a Powhiri (formal welcome dance). For visitors entering such sacred places, it is customary for the host tribe to send out a challenge of peace. The warriors go through intimidatory gestures and movements until a peace offering is given and accepted. We then were treated to a concert of song and dance in the Wharenui (Big House) before sitting down for a Hangi feast. The Hangi (earth oven) is a traditional cooking method where food is buried under the earth for hours to cook on hot rocks. The buffet was plentiful and very tasty!
What a great way to end our time in New Zealand, especially to spend it with good friends Sandra and Paul.



Maori warriors perform the Powhiri