Song and Dance

Image courtesy Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, Rotorua

Whakarewarewa Maori Village has been home to the Ngati Wahiao people for more than 200 years and today visitors can take tours of this unique ‘living’ thermal village to see first-hand how local Maori have made the most of this steamy environment. There’s no more striking setting to witness the stirring cultural performances by Te Pakira cultural members (descendants from the local tribe). With steam hissing and scalding mud bubbling in the background, the 30-minute performances cover the gamut from the haka (Maori warrior dance), action songs, long and short poi performances to the famous and very beautiful song, “Pokarekareana." The local children learn these songs and dances from an early age and as they grow up they will usually perform on stage, not only to entertain visitors to the village, but to develop their skills so they can participate in local, regional and national kapa haka competitions. www.whakarewarewa.com

Taking a Hot Dip

Image Courtesy Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, Rotorua

I can clearly remember visiting Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Maori Village when I was a kid and being amazed by two things – the overpowering smell of sulphur from the thermal activity; and the village kids leaping off the bridge to dive for coins. That traditional of diving for coins in the cold stream continues today, and afterwards, the local Maori children will usually warm themselves by bathing in the natural hot pools nearby. www.whakarewarewa.com

A Living Thermal Village

Image courtesy of Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, Rotorua

Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Village is located right in the middle of thermal activity. Geysers hiss, scalding mud bubbles in oozing pools and thermal springs send clouds of steam around the houses. It sounds inhospitable but the Ngati Wahiao people have lived in and around Whakarewarewa for more than 200 years. More correctly known as Te Whakarewarewatanga O Te Ope Taua A Wahiao (you can see why they’ve abbreviated it), the village opened its doors to tourism with small tours in 1998. Since then the operation has grown and visitors can now enjoy a traditional hangi meal, kapa haka performances, tours and the chance to learn about tradition Maori arts and crafts. As shown in the image above, they can make their own taonga (treasure) from harakeke (flax), or prepare their own hangi taster meal. www.whakarewarewa.com