I had read that the Maori Hangi performance and dinner was a “must do” in Rotorua, particularly with the Tamaki tribe. They show you a short video in their Rotorua city location, and then load you on a bus and drive you 20 minutes out to their “village” area.
On arrival they have a designated “Chief” of the bus go through a welcoming ceremony. This is where things got a bit cheesy, but they made it very clear there was to be no laughing or smiling at their custom of trying to intimidate our “Chief” before offering him a fern leaf so that we could become aligned with their “tribe”.
Side note, we have learned that these same “intimidation” customs were what led to many Maori deaths when Captain Cook first landed in New Zealand. I keep thinking about the scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark where the guy goes crazy with his sword and Indiana Jones simply pulls out his gun and shoots him.
Once our Chief accepted the fern and we were officially “aligned”, we went to various stations in their village to learn about their ways of life. This part was interesting and educational. Here they explained how they set up the fire for their Hangi feasts. All of those timbers in the background are set up over a hole, where they are lit on fire, with the river rocks on top. The embers end up in the hole, with the hot rocks on top, that end up cooking their meal. I prefer the microwave, but that’s just me.
The next station explained the traditional games the Maori played, and even had a few participants try some of them out, to hilarious results. I should have shot a video. Let’s just say one young Australian female who was proudly flaunting her breasts nearly had a wardrobe malfunction. Like I said, I should have shot a video.
One station explained the tattoo’s they wear on their faces. These guys were only wearing paint, but they explained their ancestors had face tattoos that were based on status. Men who did physical work would have tattoo’s on their face that never went above their eye level. Men who were of spiritual status would have tattoo’s well above their eyes.
This is the tribal Chief doing his best Gene Simmons impression. Forever!! (another Boomer reference)
At one station they had all of the men get up and taught us the Haka dance. Kim recorded it, and I felt like an absolute idiot, but when in New Zealand! I will add a screen shot if I can find one where I don’t look like a complete tool. Trust me, it won’t be easy.
Here are the men of the Tamaki village performing the Haka as it was meant to be done.
Following the performance we all had the Hangi dinner. I must say this was the most disappointing part of the experience, as the chicken and pork (or was it lamb?, I couldn’t tell) was overcooked and dried out. Same for the potatoes, and that’s not easy to do, even for men!
Still, the overall experience was worth it. I wouldn’t do it twice, but it seems like a good way to get a little insight into the Maori culture, and give these people a good reason to play dress up for a few hours.