So how our orientation was set up here in Auckland was that they wanted us to see as many aspects of this city and country in just a couple of days. They gave us some free time and then two days were organized trips. The first day I got to go canyoning down the rocks and the waterfall and that was a blast!! We spent all day doing it. Now my group that got to do that on the first day got to go on the cultural tour around Auckland the 2nd day! I was REALLY excited for this. Although I enjoyed doing the active, outdoor activities.. I was extremely interested in learning about the Maori culture here. Unlike in America where Native Americans don't seem to be valued, it is quite the opposite here in New Zealand... the majority of people here have some type of Maori in them because when the British came over to New Zealand, after the battles, a lot of them ended up marrying Maori women and some British women married Maori men!
Auckland Museum!
Replica of a Spiritual Temple/Meeting grounds for tribal members.
Patience and I with one of the performers.. eyes bulging out and tongue sticking out is what they looked like when they prepared for battle.
Same characteristics in these statues and images for the Maori tribes.
Battle canoe for war. Women were not allowed in these boats because they represented being fierce and battle and death.. women were too valued because they represented grace and life and they brought life into this world whereas if you were a man in these boats, you most likely were going to take life in battle.
Traditional battle weapons for the maori.
One of the tribal leaders. One of our leaders, Stacy is supposedly related to him.. awesome!!!!
Replica of what a Maori village would look like! Sooo cool!
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