Tamaki Maori Village

My dad loves all things Indian/native peoples' related. He used to plan trips around American Indian reservations and historical sites all over the west! So we knew we would need to hit up an "official" Maori village while he was here. Plus, Todd and I had been told it was a must for a true New Zealand experience.

We went to the Tamaki Maori Village just outside of Rotorua on the North Island. And, wow, it did not disappoint. The kids loved it.....after we got through the initial "greeting." Both Joe and John were crying and burying their heads into us within the first minute of the welcome. In their defense the tattoos, crazy eyes, tongue out and yelling is a bit frightening. If I had come upon them back in the day I would have been running the other way for sure! (Apparently, the tongue out like in the following pictures was part of their battle meaning they were going to eat you....literally!) The food was excellent and the program was very informative and entertaining.

If you're ever in New Zealand I would highly recommend spending an evening here.