The Bath House & Mitai Maori Village

I spent the morning and early afternoon at the Rotorua Museum, which began it's life as a spa for Edwardian holiday makers visiting New Zealand. Opened in 1908, it was the place for well-healed travellers to indulge themselves with a mud bath or a therapeutic electric bath!

I took the free guided tour around the museum, and our guide, Nan, was informative, especially about the local Maori tribes, the Te Arawa. I found the museum and the histroy of the building interesting, it's just a shame that they prohibit you from taking photographs.

(I can highly recommend the museums 'Rotorua Stories Cinema', where you'll literally feel the earth move!)

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In the evening I was picked up outside the hostel by a minibus and, along with the others, driven to the Mitai Maori Village located just outside town. Here we got to watch performers reenact traditional poi dance and songs, and explanations behind the elaborate tattoos before enjoying a Hangi. The Hangi consisted of chicken, pork and various vegetables that have been slow-cooked in a pit in the ground and were utterly delicious.

Whilst the night was enjoyable - the Maori singing in particular - I can't help but feel that I learnt more about the Moari culture by watching the beautiful film 'Whale Rider'.