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Tattoos, ancient dances, nose-to-nose greetings: Maori culture still permeates the territory of New Zealand today. And dealing with it is something magical.
First of all, who are the Maori? These are a Polynesian people who live mainly in New Zealand, and which is characterized by quite evident somatic features: the Maori are tall, have brown skin but light brown, the nose is large and the eyes are almost almond-shaped. Famous for their tattoos and for Dance Haka, arrived on New Zealand soil in medieval times. And even today, here, it is possible to experience their extraordinary culture.
In the Western world, the Maori are associated with the world of rugby. The New Zealand national team is in fact mainly made up of representatives of this people: they are the All Blacks, and in this sport they are considered like real gods. But if we were planning a trip to this incredible land, what places should we visit to immerse ourselves in their culture?
The ideal would be to start with a museum: the Te Papa of Wellington, the largest in New Zealand, has a large section dedicated to the Maori, with important finds such as green stones, traditionally collected by the women of this people. You can also visit a field, the traditional room in which they carry out their ceremonies: present in several villages, this room can generally only be accessed upon invitation from the local community. And having the opportunity to visit one is an experience not to be missed.
For those who find themselves ad Auckland, another destination to learn a little about Maori culture is his National Gallery: here there are portraits of Charles Goldie, but also original war canoes.
But there is one place that, more than all: it is about Rotorua, a sacred area for the local population, but also an area made up of geysers and small lakes with colored waters. Here, immersed in a fairytale context, it is possible to visit a rebuilt Maori village, the Tamaki. Not only a magical place, but also the place where you can experience the traditions of this ancient people up close: you witness fight shows, to the art ofweave the ferns. And then we all eat together, taking part in a traditional event meat-based banquet followed by one musical.
Thus, New Zealand will no longer be a simple holiday. But a journey to carry forever in your heart.
