Springs and Hungi

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Spent 2 nights in Rotorua, famous for hot springs and Maouri culture.

Spent the afternoon at the Polynesian Spa, dipping in and out of the 5 outdoor thermal pools, overlooking the lake. Very relaxing.

In the evening, went to a Maouri Hungi (feast) at the Maori village of Mitai It was great! The tribe arrived at the venue canoe on the river running through the bushland of the location. It was dark and quite eery stood in the silence and hearing them approaching, chanting their Pohiri (welcome). Once inside the tent, we were told Maouri stories, had the culture explained and given displays of tribal dances, songs, and weaponary. We then dined on a traditional Maouri feast cooked in the traditional way - i.e in the ground! We finished with a bush walk to see the glowworms - we were given blankets and torches. Also spotted loads of eels and NZ trout in their lake.

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