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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.

We drove south from Hobbiton to the town of Rotorua, a rather small city on the edge of Lake Rotorua.  One thing you notice immediately is the smell of sulphur in the air.  There are thermal springs and features everywhere around Rotorua.  That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.!  Can’t be the beans we ate at Hobbiton!

We are staying at the Aura motel, and they even have their own hot mineral baths on the premises.  We have not partaken as we don’t care to smell like rotten eggs, but hey, it’s there if that’s your thing!  It’s apparently all about the “minerals”.  If you believe that, then you likely support Marianne Williamson for President.  Feel the “love”.

Upon arrival at our hotel I relaxed for a few minutes, thanking the Maori Gods that we made it here alive, and then we headed off to dinner.  They have a very cool area in Rotorua called Eat Street that is a closed off city block filled with restaurants.

Our hotel staff told us the restaurant with the best wine list was Atticus Finch, so of course that’s where we went. This is a tapas place, which we have come to love from our time in Spain.  I must say ALL of the food was excellent, particularly the lamb dish.  The service was also excellent, Jackie in particular!  If you go here make sure you ask for her!

The wine was ok….we are not big fans of young Pinot Noir with screwcaps.  Regardless, I would highly recommend Atticus Finch if you find yourself in Rotorua.

The place has a great open air feel, and the other restaurants also looked quite good.  Definitely worth checking out.  I love the architecture of the place.

The next morning we went to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal “Wonderland”.  That’s what the brochure calls it.  They kind of downplay it with the official sign on entrance.  Wonderland perhaps a bit much??

Ohh goodie, more sulphur smells!  It is pretty much like Yellowstone, only in a much more condensed area.  The view from this area is called the Artists Palette, due to the multiple colors seen from the trail, not from the fact they launched artists from this spot with an old fashioned catapult.  They’ll deny it if you ask them.  I know.

This area, which is at the top of the above Artists Palette photo, is called the Champagne Pool, due to all the bubbles rising up to the surface.  The steam is clear evidence that this water is nearly 100 degrees Celcius.

Very cool colors along the shoreline.  The orange is due to Arsenic and Old Lace.  Wait, what?  No, arsenic and antimony sulfides….yeah, that’s the ticket.

These caution signs are everywhere throughout the park.  We were happy to not hear any sirens.  This place is not really all that far from White Island, which erupted back on December 9th, so it was in the back of our minds.

This little thermal feature is called Oyster Pool.  So cute.

Here is Kim in front of Lake Ngakoro.  We thought this water color was unique….little did we know….

This pool is below Champagne Pool, and a lot of different sources collect here to make this amazing green color.  Talk about bait for Instagram tools!

On the way out of the park there is another stop called “Mud Pools”.  A photo doesn’t do it justice, so here is a video.

Upon returning from Wai-O-Tapu we took a walk along the Lake Rotorua Shoreline.  It was a bit disappointing, as there is a lot of ongoing construction, and the thermal features are everywhere.  We are getting a bit tired of the sulphur smells.  Oh well, here is a shot from the shoreline, at one of the nicer spots along the trail.

Coming up next, our Maori experience, and the Redwoods Treewalk.