The geothermals we had just been exploring were put to good use in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. The Maori people living in the village utilize the underground hot water and steam for cooking, bathing and heating their homes when needed.
The tour guide's cousin is retrieving lunch from the steam box heated by the underground thermals.
The bubbling hot water is channelled into bathing pools. The community comes down in the early morning or evening to enjoy a soak. The waters are reputed to have healing powers, even for such things as arthritis.
The village tour included a traditional Maori performance. They performed a stick dance/game, women's poi-poi dance, traditional songs and the haka.
Some of the statues were more lifelike than others.
In the evening we went to the Mitai Village for a hangi and cultural performance.
The warriors arrived in the traditional waka, a war canoe.
The chief accepted greetings from the tribe of many nations (all us tourists).
The men performed a spear dance.
The music and the dancing were quite captivating.
Dinner was delicious! The food was steamed in the traditional way.
These warriors were particularly fierce!
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