Australia/ NZ Heilung tour

From Wikipedia:

The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) is an indigenous traditional art school located in Rotorua, New Zealand. It operates the national schools of three major Māori art forms.

NZMACI opened in 1963 as a successor school to the previous national school for woodcarving (wānanga whakairo) in Rotorua, New Zealand. The original Institute had been established in 1926 by Sir Āpirana Ngata to combat the impending threat of the loss of traditional Māori arts.[1] The new school continued the tradition in a location well-established for traditional Māori arts and crafts. The location of the schools at Whakarewarewa enabled access to the Rotorua tourist market, which has allowed the Institute to operate with financial independence for the majority of its history. The school is associated with tours which have been guided through the Whakarewarewa Valley since the mid-19th century, now under the umbrella of Te Puia.

I had been looking forward to this day a long time. All people who joined that day were collecting in an open room at the entrance, and as I had some time to spare, I already went in to the shop to have a look around and bought myself some beautiful traditional hair combs and jade earrings (These broke very soon, as you are not allowed to buy jade jewellery for yourself..)

All people were divided in groups, with each group their own tour guide. We could choose our own favourite guides, and I waited till the end to end up with a very nice lady and our group was the smallest, so we had the most time and opportunity to chat and ask questions. We got a tour around the school area, to see everything they make and teach such as wood carving, jade, bone and stone carving and weaving. We learned a lot about their values and traditions which was amazing to see.

We got to see the geyser Ohutu during the day and I got to see it again during the night when it was dark. I could have stayed there forever. I have a thing for water, so that is always my happy place.

We also got to see 2 kiwi's who were rescued. They are preparing them to mate and later be put back into nature. We weren't allowed to take photos, because they are nocturnal.

After that I had a really nice dinner, before seeing an amazing haka performance which was one of the most special things I have ever seen. I feel such a big connection with NZ and how they live and honour their nature and ancestors and I hope to be back so soon.. I am still homesick for that country and I think I will ever be whilst being in the Netherlands.Read more