An enriching experience perfect for history buffs
So you've seen Disney's Moana a few times; how much do you know about the Maori people and culture that inspired the movie? Known as the Maori heartland in New Zealand, Rotorua abounds with historical sites and traditional activities to immerse yourself in this rich indigenous culture.
4. Enjoy a hangi meal
It’s delicious food, but the traditional cooking method is what really makes a hangi meal unique. The Maori create an earth oven by digging a huge pit underground, and using heated stones, steam a huge feast of meats, seafood and sweet potatoes for at least three hours. From the Maori villages to the geothermal centres, most cultural experiences in Rotorua include a hangi. Besides witnessing the process and enjoying the meal, you’re taking part in an important Maori social occasion.
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