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Through
the memorial archway on Tyron Street, Rotorua, (past the Park Heritage
Hotel) is the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. An authentic Maori
village, set amidst an active geothermal landscape. This area is
the home to the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao sub tribes.
The
people live surrounded by bubbling mud pools and steaming mineral
springs. These pools and springs are used in every day life: hangi
meals are cooked in natural steam vents and corn on the cob is cooked
in a crystal clear boiling spring. The thermal baths are used morning
and night, a great way to mix and mingle!
Every
boiling mud pool, mineral pool, geyser or steam vent is named after
an ancestor, event or incident and are therefore part of the history
of the tribe.
With
understanding and respect for the land, this community have been
able to live in close proximity and harmony with the natural creations
of Mother Nature.
The
guides are all descendants of the survivors of the Tarawera eruption,
and under the watchful eye of the whare Tupuna (Ancestral meeting
house) they will take you on an educational journey through time.
They will share with you the beautiful history, the nurturing of
families, the knowledge and teachings of their ancestors and the
perpetuation of the arts, crafts and culture that is Tuhourangi
/ Ngati Wahiao.
Sit
back and relax at the twice daily cultural performances, or partake
in the visitor participation activities, weaving, or tickle your
taste buds with corn on the cob and enjoy the thermal hangi served
to enhance this truly authentic experience.
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