Today we went to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a tour and some education about the history of NZ and the Maori people. It was very informative and followed by a cultural show ( traditional greetings, ceremonial dancing and songs). Jim volunteered to be the visiting "chief" who had a lead role in the ceremony, including the nose/forehead press. It was very riveting, with lots of guttural shouting, foot stomping, poi twirling and tongue thrusting. The Maori are still actively pursuing regaining lands and rights they feel were lost in the 1847 translation of the treaty. Relations have improved greatly in the last 20 years as they have gained a lot through the courts. Need to read up on this...
In the afternoon, we went on an island boat tour for 4 hours. Saw lots of dolphins, the "Hole in the Rock" ( a literal hole in an island at the Northern most island), and lots of beautiful bays and beaches. The area has 140 islands: lots of sailboats and scenery.
We had a fantastic dinner in Russell at The Gables, the oldest resturant in NZ, right on the water. We finally ate some NZ lamb-yum- and watched a spectacular sunset over the bay.
Tomorrow we'll take a long drive down the west coast of the North Island and end up at the Waitomo Caves, which we will attack the next day.
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