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Whakarewarewa Thermal Village & Maori Cultural Night

Tewhakarewarewatangaoteopetauaawahiao means “the gathering place for the war parties of Wahiao”. We learned how to pronounce it, but I’m not sure I’d attempt it again!

We visited this thermal village, where native Maori still live, cook (hangi), attend church, swim and frequently have tourists walking through, but they welcome it and are eager to share their culture. They cook using the heat from the ground, and they use the thermal heat as a power source.

Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, New Zealand
Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, New Zealand
Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, New Zealand
Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, New Zealand
Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, New Zealand
Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, New Zealand

We got to see an incredible demonstration of Maori dance, song, poi dance and of course the haka! All with a traditional hangi meal. It was delicious and a highlight of my trip for sure!

Maori Cultural Night, New Zealand
Maori Cultural Night, New Zealand

I had to give the poi dance a shot!
Maori Cultural Night, New Zealand