WAIRAKEI TERRACES: MAORI CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Rotorua has always been synonymous with the Maori 'hangi and concert' and to a greater or lesser degree has satisfied the curiosity of the visitor to this country allowing a brief glimpse of local culture and food. Now there is opportunity to enjoy Maori hospitality and culture in a spectacular and unique location just a short distance from beautiful Lake Taupo.

The Wairakei Terraces are a man-made creation of cascading silica in blues, pinks and whites, fed by the steaming multi-hued waters of the Alum lakes that in turn have been created by a spectacular man-made geyser of superheated waters. They are reminiscent of the magnificent pink and white terraces that were destroyed in 1886 when Mt Tarawera suddenly erupted splitting the mountain in two and covering what surely was one of the great wonders of the world. In this special place you can encounter the Maori world and appreciate the customs and rituals that offer hospitality and care to visitors.

The evening begins in the marae atea (courtyard). The visiting Rangatira (leader of party) stands at the vanguard, while across the village grounds, the local people in traditional costumes wait patiently to welcome you into their world.

Suddenly a spine-chilling cry is heard 'Kia Hiwa Ra, Kia Hiwa Ra!!  This, the fierce wero (challenge), is nerve-tingling even for the bravest among us.  A single warrior breaks ranks and darts forward in orchestrated movements of provocation and challenge, uttering cries of defiance and challenge directed at the Rangatira. 

With flashing eyes and contorted facial features he draws ever closer, dancing and posturing and maintaining eye contact and thrusting and parrying with his Taiaha (carved wooden staff).  Suddenly he retreats, places a take (token) on the ground and gestures to the leader to accept it. The act of picking up the token signals the visitors' peaceful intentions and the solemn ceremony of welcome can commence.

Haere Mai, Nga Manuhiri Tuarangi - ''Welcome to you visitors from afar' a female voice calls out across the distance between visitor and host bringing them together. In age old tradition speeches of welcome are offered and accepted before the final act of Powhiri, the greeting of each person by pressing of noses in a hongi.  So a journey into the Maori world commences, custom and ritual make for a harmonious visit.

With customary protocols completed you can now enjoy the leisurely walk along pathways designed to make the most of the spectacular man-made terraces, lakes and geysers that leave you in awe of Nature's capacity to retain a naturalness and beauty that is pleasing to the eye as well as the senses.

Overlaying Nature's work is the cultural mantle of Ngati Tuwharetoa, which bring to life the stories of creation and discovery. Our Guides are local Maori who have inherited from their ancestors the stories and Whakapapa (genealogy) of Wairakei, Ngatoroirangi and Tuwharetoa.  As you wander and appreciate Nature's amazing handiwork you will also come across village people working on weaving, carving, art, games and household chores. This is very much an interactive experience for visitor and host. Take time to enjoy it.

As you end your walk you are again welcomed by your hosts, this time to a communal dining room. The smell of food taken from the steaming earth oven permeates the space. Karakia signals the start of hakiri (feast) and sharing of good company.

Replete from dinner and just when you think you have seen and experienced something very special, the evening is brought to an even more dramatic climax with a spectacular performance of song, dance and haka. Dressed in traditional costume, singing beautiful waiata and performing defiant haka, our young artists put heart and soul to a unique and emotional performance to complete an unforgettable evening.