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Amidst steaming mineral springs and boiling hot pools, the Maori people living at Whakarewarewa have learned to take advantage of their natural surroundings. The village is situated in a geothermal landscape in Rotorua, a great destination for wilderness adventure while on locum tenens assignment in New Zealand.
All of the guides at the village are descendants of the Tarawera eruption survivors and are overjoyed to reveal their stories to visitors from all over the world. This tradition of sharing their historic tales is something they have practiced for more than 200 years and they intend to continue. From customary meals and cultural performances to overnight stays on the thermal grounds, the community invites guests to become a genuine part of their society.
When you visit the village, be sure to take part in the hangi experience. The term means "food cooked in the ground or an earth oven," which is exactly what the Maori people do. After digging a pit, the villagers place heated rocks inside the hole. A basket of food is then set on top of the rocks and left to cook for about three to seven hours. Typically, the Maori serve a meal of many courses, including chicken, kumara (sweet potato), pumpkin, cabbage, bread stuffing and gravy. For dessert, options range from steamed pudding to fruit salad, depending on the ingredients on hand.