A Maori experience, February 25, 2026

This morning we left early to drive north to Christchurch to drop our car off, and catch a flight back to the north island. It was on a prop plane, and that turned out to be a blessing, because we enjoyed birds-eye views in clear skies of the whole trip. When we landed in Rotorua, we picked up our new rental, a RAV 4, and headed to check in at our accommodations a "boutique" lodge on the northwest side of Lake Rotorua. We are in 1 of 12 rooms here. 

After settling in with a glass of wine in the lounge, we set off for our evening activity, a visit to Te Pa Tu, a place that offers an opportunity to learn and experience the Maori culture and traditions. We arrived at the "Gathering Place" where there were many other people waiting for thekirl transportation to TePa Tu. We boarded a bus for the village, on en route, we're greeted by our Maori guide. He asked for a volunteer for an "important " job. After a bit of prodding from someone, Ray was the only person to respond, and was told that he was to be the "chief" of our tribe (people on the white bus). The chief, we were told, has the duty to accept the peace offering of the chief of the village. To do that, he has to accept the peace offering from the chief, and the touch nose to nose twice and shake hands.

Arriving at the village, that's exactly what happened.  The greeting ceremony featured Maori men and women, and the tribe chief. I caught it on video, and loved it all. We were then ushered through

Father (chief)

their beautiful forest to a group of huts in a circle, where we were offered small bites of traditional Maori foods, and were shown and participated in various Maori traditions and games, one by one. I joined in one, and Ray another. The Maori guides explained all as we traveled around the circle to each hut. It was fun, and instructive. All the people that guided and taught us tonight were relatives, brothers, cousins, father, sisters.

We were then shown how some of our meal tonight had been cooked: in a pit covered with banana leaves. Then, we were led to a community hall, where the Maori performed traditional songs and stories for us. That was really great. 

Then came dinner. We were assigned places at a table with a young couple from Indiana,  and another from Idaho with whom we enjoyed travel conversation during dinner. Dinner was served family style and the menu was varied and delicious. 

After dinner, we all said "Kia ora" (sounds like key ora) , a common New Zealand greeting meaning "hello," "hi," "good morning," or "cheers". It literally translates to "be healthy" or "have life," and is used to welcome people, express gratitude, or say goodbye and is widely used, and a culturally significant phrase in New Zealand. We came away with a better appreciation of the Maori culture.

We took the bus back to our starting point, and cautiously drove in pitch black darkness, to our hotel.

Photos https://photos.app.goo.gl/Miz3UxhCMPC2mhfZ8