Mitai

We are Yorkshire folk after all so a bit of wetness today didn't stop us getting on the bikes and riding to the Redwoods Forest and sampling some of the mountain bike trails and the treetop walk. The redwoods are not as mature as the Canadian ones of the same name because they were planted in 1902 as a timber trial. It was discovered that pine was faster growing and more economical but the redwoods stayed, and very grand they are too. In amongst them grow the fabulous silver ferns. Towards the end of our ride we came across a bike shop in a clearing with a cafe which served excellent roast chicken sandwiches so it seemed only right to stop for lunch and chat with other cyclists about Le Grand Depart (yes, we we wearing our Yorkshire Grand Depart tops!)
A leisurely couple of hours and washing of sheets followed then we were collected by Jimmy and taken to Mitai Maori Village for 'an authentic traditional Maori experience.' This was an excellent evening which began with a welcome by the 'Warriors' paddling down their sacred stream in the war canoe (waka). The performers then gave displays of weaponry and combat as well as songs and dances before we watched the uncovering of the Hangi (ground cooked feast) and then moved into the eating house to enjoy what truly was a feast. I got to eat my first kumara which we have seen advertised in fields along our route. To conclude the evening we went for a walk in the dark to view a Maori house, the path lined with gloworms, and the crystal clear waters of the Fairy Spring.
On the way home, Jimmy, who orchestrates much of the music in the community, sang to us a love song from Mokoia Island on Lake Rotorua, very lovely in the dark of the taxi. Wow!