I had been looking forward to Rotorua. Two things caught my attention in all the tourist information we had - Te Puia (Maori centre) and the Polynesian Spa. We booked Te Puia for their evening programme Te Po - cultural storytelling, entertainment and Maori kai (indigenous food).
It started in Te Heketanga-a Rangi (The Heavenly Origins), a space with twelve monumental carvings, each representing a Maori deity. We then assembled at the waharoa (gateway) of the traditional marae for an authentic Maori welcome. This is a formal ceremony complete with a whaikorero (welcome speech).
After taking off our shoes, we entered the marae for the entertainment. Beautiful waiata (songs), the world-renowned haka (challenge) and the elegant poi dance. Audience participation was hilarious as the men attempted the haka (I think Stew's put on a bit of weight - what do you think?)
A delicious dinner buffet allowed us a chance to taste the time-honoured hangi (earth oven cooked meal) using the geothermals right under our feet!
Finally the evening finished after dessert with a shuttle to the amazing Pohutu geyser in the moonlight. A memorable New Zealand night.
The Polynesian Spa was this morning's treat. Four hot mineral rock pools in the most peaceful setting. And I also indulged in one of the fabulous body massages of coconut oil. WOW, worth waiting for these 2,500 miles.
PS A clarification of my earlier comments about U3A funding. After our first meeting (with the Chairman of Dunedin U3A) I said that New Zealand U3As are funded by their universities. In fact, they have all kinds of funding arrangements, reflecting their autonomy. Dunedin U3A itself is partially funded by the University of Otago from its Continuing Education budget
No mutton bird in the hangi then?!
ReplyDeleteIf you have time on your way from Rotorua to Auckland, consider a diversion to the glowworm caves at Waitomo. It's about a two hour drive due west of Rotorua.
You view the glowworm cave from a boat that is pulled silently through the water by your guide. We considered it one of the highlights of our trip.
This cave is at ground level and so you need not fear going deep. If you enjoy seeing limestone formations, there are a couple of other really good caves nearby - one of which has opened since our visit.
The other 'must see' in my view at least, is the giant kauri trees in the Wiapoua Forest.
I guess you will be going to the Bay of Islands, and returning to Auckland via route 12 is a great drive in itself. The whole history of the kauri as fascinating, and the largest is Tane Mahuta. You can find the location on Route 12 using this link.