Photo: Cultural Tours

Photo showing a warrior challenge during one of the maori cultural tours available in Rotorua in the North Island of New Zealand.

Photos of cultural tours at the Whakarewarewa Thermal Area of Rotorua in New Zealand. I was in Rotorua this day and decided to visit this thermal complex. During one of the cultural tours, and prior to entering the marae a maori warrior starts crying out in native maori language, Kia Hiwa Ra, Kia Hiwa Ra! As he begins moving towards our group in challenge. holding a carved wooden staff known as a Taiaha he continues to utter cries of challenge at our group. Once he is just a short distance away, he stops and then retreats slightly before bending down and placing a token on the ground. One of our group members picked up the token, apparently indicating acceptance of the challenge, and we are then welcomed to the Marae. These maori cultural tours are a great opportunity to learn about the history, protocol, and traditions of these people.