Big Trip

Went just up the road to Te Puia today, the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. We arrived at the Pohutu Geyser just as they'd switched it on, so stayed and watched the eruption, which seemed to go on for ever. In fact, we left before the end. The thermal area wasn't that interesting in comparison with Orakei Korako, apart from a couple of bigger mud pools, so we didn't linger there, but went on to the Maori cultural show, which started with a traditional Maori welcome, where a warrior came out to greet the party and challenge us to determine our intentions. Having found that we came in peace, we were welcomed into the meeting house, where the show is held. There were a number of traditional songs with hand actions and poi displays, and the obligatory haka, all performed by people in traditional Maori dress. It's strangely moving, though in many cases, you have no idea what the songs mean. Then we visited the carving school, where traditional carving skills are taught to people who are selected from various tribes & sub-tribes to receive scholarships. There were quite a few intricate pieces in progress, and a couple of chaps working on them who chatted about all sorts of things. I can't say we learned a lot about the actual carvings themselves in the short time we were there, but I do enjoy watching people working with wood.