Whakarewarewa - is called the Living Thermal Village because it is still home to the Maori and it is situated around the hot springs and mud pools.
Pronounced as "fakarewarewa" or shortened to "whaka", one can discover the lifestyle of the Maori and their traditions firsthand. It is an interesting experience to see how intertwined the Maori are with their natural surroundings and live in harmony with their environment.
The entrance to the village which is a war monument
We joined a guided tour where we were shown their houses, their assembly area, their places of worship and the way they use the various hot pools for bathing, cooking and relaxing. The cultural performance was very entertaining. We watched a haka which is the Maori traditional dance which is accompanied by stomping of the feet and rhythmic shouts. We were also taught to do the hongi the right way. Hongi is a traditional Maori greeting, where 2 people press each other's noses lightly against each other.
A traditional Maori hut. Men sleep outside; women and children inside.
The simple yet beautiful Catholic church
The unique altar
Interesting.......
The cultural performance area
The assembly or meeting area. It is the largest house in the village.
The original entrance to the village.
The stream with sulphur deposits.
The famous Pohutu geyser
Later, we enjoyed a delicious hangi - a traditional Maori meal which is cooked in a hot pool.
The delicious hangi
.........and the dessert.
http://www.whakarewarewa.com/
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