Incredible Haka and Cultural Show: Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute Rotorua, NZ

I had the great pleasure while on a recent Overseas Adventure (OAT) trip to New Zealand to visit Te Puia, which is the national Maori Arts and Crafts Institute based in Rotorua on June 17, 2023. Students are selected from across New Zealand to learn the skill of either carving (including pounamu and bone) or weaving. The Maori arts are a extremely special manner of preserving and handing down as well as helping to preserve a unique indigenous culture through incredible pieces of artwork and carvings.

I had the opportunity to participate in The Te Pō Indigenous Experience which included an incredibly delicious buffet at the Pātaka Kai Restaurant.

Following the buffet dinner I got to view an outstanding cultural performance which took place in a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It included a Pōhiri (Traditional Māori Welcome), Waiata (Song), Mōteatea (traditional chant), Poi, and Haka. This entire experience was one of the highlights of my trip to New Zealand!