Travel Diary Entry 3: NEW ZEALAND 21/04/2025

Kia Ora, everyone! Welcome back for day 3 of my Kiwi adventures.

It's my second day in Rotorua (and my last), and today was incredible.

Each day in New Zealand has been memorable, but today has carved out a special place in my heart. Though the day was long and draining, the moments I lived today will always stay with me.

Today's highlight: The Māori Show

To start the day, my tour group and I hiked 8 km in Whakarewarewa Forest Park in Rotorua.

Whakarewarewa Forest Park, or The Redwoods, is a stunning natural area outside Rotorua. It is famous for its towering California Redwoods.

The park combines native bushes, exotic trees, and scenic walking and biking trails. We hiked the Pohaturoa trail at this park and spent a few hours in nature.

After the hike, we returned to the hotel to make lunch and explore Rotorua. We also got ready for our afternoon activity, which was zorbing.

Zorbing is one of New Zealand’s most iconic activities. It was invented in Rotorua and involves rolling down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball filled with water, and I can confirm that it is as fun as it sounds.

Nadia, Violet, and I all went into one ball. We had the time of our lives slipping and sliding all along the inside as we rolled down the hill. We even caught air at one point when we hit a curb. I know this sounds a little dangerous, but it is much safer than it seems.

We also tried to get a GoPro video of us zorbing, but unfortunately, we lacked technology skills and took pictures instead of video...here are the photos anyway!

hahahaha

I was lowkey scared LOL

Finally, I can talk about my favourite part of the day. After being thrown around in a wet ball, we returned to the hostel and prepared for one of the most incredible experiences I've ever witnessed.

This evening, we went to Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua. Yesterday, I mentioned how Rotorua has a deep connection with the Māori as it is about half the town's population. Today, I witnessed the Māori culture first-hand, and it was a memorable experience.

Some translation of the Māori language

Now, here is some brief history about the Māori: the Māori are the Indigenous people of New Zealand.

The group is believed to have arrived over 800 years ago from Polynesia in ocean-going canoes; however, when European settlers arrived in the 18th century, relations were mixed, involving trade, cultural exchange, and conflict over land and sovereignty.

In 1840, many Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the British, an agreement to protect Māori rights while allowing British settlement. However, differences in treaty interpretation led to wars, land loss, and lasting challenges.

Today, Māori culture remains a vital part of New Zealand’s national identity, and The Mitai Village gave me a glimpse of an authentic and immersive experience of traditional Māori culture.

The night was filled with Māori customs through live cultural performances, including the powerful "haka" (war dance), traditional songs, and weapon displays. I also enjoyed a traditional hangi meal (food cooked underground using heated stones) and was allowed to ask questions about the Mārori culture.

Where the Waka Taua (War Canoe) performance took place

A traditional Hangi meal

YUM

The experience was educational, entertaining, and unforgettable. My favourite part of the evening was the singing and performances. It gave me goosebumps; the traditional songs and dances were so beautiful.

(I have videos from the performances, but am having technical difficulties uploading them. I'll try again later, though, because the videos are amazing, and I want to share them.)

This brings us to the end of day 3, a day filled with various experiences that I will carry with me forever.

Tomorrow, I will also be doing something I've always wanted to do, a childhood dream that is so close. I look forward to sharing every detail of tomorrow's experience with you, so stay tuned for my updates on Day 4!