Planned another road trip for two days to experience a Maori culture show and visit Lake Taupo. Drove to Rotorua and ate our sandwiches overlooking the Lake watching the Lakeland Queen (stern-wheel paddle driven vessel) disembark taking people on a cruise around the lake. Walked to main street through an area known as 'Eat Streat' consisting of various restaurants and cafes. Drove to our Airbnb and was happy to find it clean and tidy! Freshened up ready for our Maori Cultural Show at Mitai.
Mitai is situated in a natural bush setting and on arrival we were greeted and entertained by the MC for the evening before going for a walk to see Warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (Waka) down the Wai-o-Whiro stream. On our way to the Cultural Show we stopped at a Waka where we were advised on different carvings on the canoe, then looked at the traditionally cooked hangi which we were having for dinner.
Throughly enjoyed the Cultural Show where we were greeted by a Chief who told stories and enlightened us on Maori past, carvings, ta moko (tattoo art), weaponry and combat. The performers entertained us with their singing and dancing including the poi dance and haka. A wonderful night of entertainment! After the show we were ushered back to the dining area where we helped ourselves to hangi. There was so much food and it was very, very tasty. After the meal we were taken outside and walked around the natural bush looking at glow worms, village huts, various trees and was pleased to see a silver fern. What a great night!
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| Mitai Maori Dancer performing the haka |
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| The Maori canoe called a Waka |
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| Traditionally cooked hangi |
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| Warriors in traditional dress - just paddled down the stream and will participate in the Cultural Show |
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| Chief in charge of the Cultural Show |
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| Entertained by traditional dancing and singing |
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| Poi dance |
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| The cool water spring which feeds into the Wai-o-Whiro stream |
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| A Silver Fern |
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