Rotarua

We stopped in Rotarua, and when we got to our hotel, we couldn't help but notice a strong sulfur smell. It turns out we were near some sulfur springs which you can go and visit. However, we were more interested in some of the cultural offerings, so we went to a Maori cultural show. Somehow, we missed the very beginning where they divide the tourists into to 'tribes' and elect a 'chief' to interact with the Maori chief. However, we did get there in time to see how the food we would be eating was prepared.

Next, we were shuffled through a small reserve where we were shown some native plants and how they were used in cooking and medicine. Then, the Maori men came out in a war canoe. The canoe was quite interesting, but you can see there is a huge crowd, so getting details was difficult.

 Perhaps the most interesting part of the evening was the show itself. I must confess, when it started, I was really worried it was going to be a touch hokey, emphasizing stereotypes such as the sticking out of the tongue. As the show progressed however, it became not only an entertaining show, but a very informative show weaving together history, culture, music and dancing. Something well worth catching if you are in the area.