Tamaki Maori Village – May 14, 2011

One of the main tourist activities in Rotorua is attending a Maori culture show. Originally I hadn’t planned on going, but people I’d met along the way had said that while it was very touristy, it was also really good. So I decided to give it a shot.

It was VERY touristy and completely fake, like a Maori Disneyland (minus the rides), but interesting as well. The night consisted of being welcomed into a traditional Maori village to see the way they lived, then a cultural song and dance show, and then a buffet meal.

The village was set up with stations where we could see how they kept food, wove baskets and carpets, trained the warriors and practiced the tattooing. Next we got to take a peek at the food, which was cooked in a Hangi, an underground oven. They uncovered it, and pulled out trays of vegetables, and racks of chicken and lamb. We weren’t allowed to eat yet though; we had to watch the dancing first. The facial expressions during the dances are priceless. The men bug out their eyes and stick out their tongues. If anyone watches rugby, some of what we saw was like what the All Blacks do before a game to get motivated and intimidate the other team. 

Dinner was quite tasty, especially the dessert. They had these delicious pavlova cakes, and I don’t think I’ve ever had it before. So good!