Saturday, February 23, 2008

Whakarewrewa - The living thermal village

It was a warm & welcoming experience being a guest in this living village.

I recommend it for anyone who wants to experience the Maori culture as a member of their extended whanau (family) because I certainly felt embraced.

To maximise this experience I strongly suggest using the on-site guide services. Some of these guides descend from some of the first Maori guides who took visitors to the Pink & White Terraces before they were destroyed by a volcanic eruption.

We bought a corn on the cob that had been cooked in one of the hot pools. Definitely recommended.

Take time to watch the show. It felt like being invited into a living room to watch a family perform a routine.

The kids at the gate will dive into the river for coins that you throw for them. Apparently they make quite a lot of money doing this.

I understand that it may be possible to stay in the village. The on-site church and marae (traditional meeting house) are available for hire.

It will take at least 3 hours to experience some of Whakarewarewa and more if you want to take in the tour, walks, geysers and shops.

If you enjoy being immersed in a cultural experience then you will enjoy this. I rate it 4/5.


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