blurpenguin

For our last night in New Zealand, we had the opportunity to go and see the traditional/cultural show of the native Maori... in the Mitai Village.

Our hosts had graciously booked for us our seats, and the van came at 5.45pm to pick us up at the lodge...We were then driven to the venue... where we were ushered straight to our dining tables, already prearranged seatings?... we were wondering... eh... food first?

Then the host for the evening appeared and invited us to see our dinner... keh... see the fruits of 3 hours of cooking prior to arrival... the photos are already in the previous post.

We were then ushered through a very short walk to a crystal clear stream, we were told later the water comes from a natural spring in the village itself... and as we passed it, we could see the water coming out from the ground... the stream was also filled with rainbow trout and eels!

The show started with the Maori warriors paddling upstream and shouting their war cries...




We then adjourned to their stage... which was tastefully done half of which was covered for the audience, a platform for some lighting and the backdrop which was a section of an actual Maori village.

the next portion was all in Maori, with some dances and singing... and a welcome invitation



the chief then appeared to greet us and quickly reverted to english to explain the meanings of the dance and song... and also followed by an introduction to the daily routine of the Maori people, from exercise to training to the types of dance, types of instruments... The chief was also a good entertainer and funny.


there were also several demonstrations of warfare, spear wielding and dance routines



of course it ended with a haka! :p



We then adjourned for dinner... yum...

before ending the night, we once again re-entered the forest walkway for an introduction to the flora and fauna in the dark! and also saw some Glow-worms...

Thus ends all our activities in New Zealand...