Tamaki Village of the Maori, Rotorua, March 17

Another major attraction of Rotorua is the indigenous Maori culture carefully nurtured and preserved. We attended a very well done Maori performance which encouraged participants from the tour group. Brian stepped forward when asked and joined in a demonstration of the war dance. A tasty feast that had been cooked in the ground in typical Polynesian style, was served to everyone. If you imagine a Hawaiian luau then add bugged out eyes and long protruding tongues, which are key aspects of the intense Maori war dance. Add in the heavily tattooed faces and it's quite a sight to see.

Maori hut

The intimidating Maori.  Not exactly the laid back vibe of a luau.

Brian doing the Haka , the Maori war dance.  Poorly.  So poorly that I surely would have been killed and eaten within minutes of meeting the Maori.