New Zealand Gallery Eight - Rotorua II, North Island

NEW ZEALAND 2005 - Rotorua II, North Island:

The next night we were taken to a "traditional Maori village" for a dinner and introduction to Maori culture. As eco-tourism is a mainstay of the Maori culture, the busloads of tourists filtered through this little village don't exactly make it a true "cultural" experience. It's kind of the eco-tourism equivalent of an Indian casino, but without slot machines and with better food.


The entrance to the Maori stronghold.

They picked this asian guy to be our representative. He was ordered not to smile.

One of the warriors who came out to meet our group.

He was joined by two more warriors.

Once invited in we were shown traditional Maori craftwork.

Another shot of the wood-working guy.

An exhibit of traditional dance.

These guys tossed those white sticks at each other in a form of juggling.

A craftswoman making traditional Maori dress.

Some woodwork that adorned the buildings.

A statue in the dining room.

The pit where they baked our pig. It was delicious.

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