We decided, being used to rain in Yorkshire, we would not let it deter us and got on the bikes to head to the I-Site in Whakarewarewa Forest, famous for its redwoods, and seek out some bike trails. Armed with a map we pedalled a circuit around the forest which at times reminded me of Dalby until we spotted the several varieties of ferns indigenous to New Zealand and certainly not to the North Yorkshire Moors! We had a bit of a go on the 'Sweet and Sour' off road track but I'm never going to feel at ease dodging tree roots etc so I stuck to the main track whilst Tony had a play.
On our return we came across the actual mountain biking carpark, which had a cafe as well as a bike shop where they kindly showed Tony how to use the pump we had been given! We were ready for the giant roast chicken sandwiches and cuppas. We chatted to a group of riders out with a guide who asked us abut the Grand Depart, since we were wearing our shirts!
On our return to the visitor centre we took to the redwoods on a treetop walk and learned about the planting of these magnificent trees. They are not as old as the Canadian Sequoias but still very tall and quite splendid, their bark being a beautiful russet colour. By this time we were very wet and it was time for a hot shower.
Patrick had booked us in to Mitai Maori Village for a cultural evening (NZD116 per adult which includes hangi feast, cultural events and entertainment) and arranged a courtesy car pick up (another excellent idea which means we can leave Oscar the van behind). Jimmy, our driver, is an elder in the village and heavily involved in the music orchestration. En route we picked up a couple and their son from Germany, who also shared our table with a couple from Melbourne and, next to me, Katsuki from Japan. Peter, the father from Germany, was nominated as our tribal chief (we were representing 19 nations tonight and Manu the greeter was able to converse in all but Hungarian - I think by the end of the night he will have cracked that too - he even had the Welsh!)
After the welcome in the dining tent we walked down to the sacred stream which was crystal clear and fed by the Fairy Spring, flanked on both sides by luscious undergrowth, ferns and flowers. The performers, dressed as warriors, paddled the waka (war canoe) down the Wai-O-Whiro stream for a great photo opportunity.
From there we went to view the uncovering of the traditional hangi meal which is cooked in the ground, then were told of the traditions surrounding the waka.
Then it was the entertainment which was educational and very enjoyable with singing and dance, displays of weaponry and musical instruments and explanations of the traditions of the Maori people, all with much good humour, sometimes at the audience expense!
I think it must be very fulfilling to ascend from such an ancient culture with the spiritual attachment to the land and, being a non-religious person, I am attracted more to this sense of community and kinship/connection. These are gods I could believe in, but it is also the sense of something magical which is attractive. The entertainment closed with the Mitai Haka, another thing crossed off on my New Zealand to do list, and then we moved back to the dining tent for our sumptuous Hangi feast of lamb, chicken, potatoes, kumara and many other accompaniments with much good conversation with our new friends for the night.
Before heading back in Jimmy's taxi, he took us on a bushwalk to spot glow-worms and to visit the sacred spring - another top notch experience and day. Jimmy entertained us in the taxi with a Maori song about two lovers, smashing end to the day.
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