|
 |
| Explanation of village
lifestyle |
|
|
Discover and meet the people of Tuhourangi/Ngati
Wahiao and experience a people who have come to live
in harmony amidst this unique environment of geothermal
wonders.
See firsthand the geothermal activity and how it is
used in everyday life with hot springs and steam vents
used for cooking (natural cooktops and ovens) and the
natural mineral waters used for communal bathing.
Mingle with the villagers who are always
delighted to share their knowledge and pastimes within
the Whakarewarewa Village, the place they call home.
|
| Interpretation of
Traditions and Culture |
|
|
Learn about the traditions and culture
which has been passed down and upheld for generations
and how in today’s world these traditions are
still very much alive and strong.
As with every active community, events
within the village are for ever changing. Your visit
could coincide with tribal gathering, funerals or weddings.
Listen as your guide shares stories
of the Maori migration from the legendary homeland Hawaiiki
to Aotearoa, New Zealand. Discover how the geothermal
activity came to be in the area and stories surrounding
the Mt Tarawera eruption.
The guides will share their experiences and stories
which have been passed on to them through the generations.
|
| View our Ancestral
Meeting House (fully carved) |
|
|
The Whare Tupuna (ancestral house)
is of great significance to the people of this village.
This building preserves and retains carved and woven
panels which display the genealogy, history and culture
of the Tuhourangi, Ngati Wahiao tribe.
Also discover the communal usages of this beautiful
building and why the people see this house as the heart
of the village.
Surrounded by a mixture of geothermal
activity, from the spray of the geysers to the plopping
of mud pools and beauty of the mineral pools, each feature
has its own uniqueness and are significant to the village
in someway.
Every single pool, geyser or fumarole
in the entire valley has a name. These features are
named after our ancestors, events or incidents and are
a part of the history of the tribe.
It is with understanding and respect
for the land that the people have been able to live
in harmony and in close proximity with this natural
and ever changing environment.
|
| Explanation of the
local kohanga reo |
|
|
The retention of the Maori language
is of importance to the people and culture. You will
see the pre-school and hear the children as they go
about their activities speaking in their native tongue.
See Mother Nature unleash an awesome
display of energy through the Pohutu and Prince of Wales
Feathers geysers, a natural event which demonstrates
the powerful forces within earths core.
Please Note: There is NO ACCESS to
the geysers from the village. The geysers can be viewed
from two lookout platforms.
|
| Visitor Participation
Activities |
|
|
Be enlightened by participating in
the interactive activities which may include weaving,
displays of musical instruments & weaponry or learn
a waiata-a-ringa (action song) and or haka. |
