From Mecury bay it was off to Rotorua, the cultural centre of New Zealand, also home to the largest number of Maori's. The day started with a quick visit to the culturual centre where we learnt a bit about they're culture and how they treated certain ailments and what not, interesting stuff. There was also a quiz based on how much we were paying attention. Needless to say I didn't win any thing in that.

The day we spent making the most of the culture on offer. We went Luging, which basically involved winging yourself down a hill at great speeds on nothing but a skateboard with handlebars! It was all good. We mastered the beginner and intermediate courses before attempting the mother of all runs, yes the Advanced! Due to my long gangly legs I couldn't quite steer as well as Ian so couldn't go as fast. It probably had something to do with the fact that I felt I was going to tip out of of it on every turn, anyway we survived to tell the tale even after doing the jumps!

The evening we went to a cultural meal at one of the local villages! It wasn't real, mostly actors but the experience was awesome! We got picked up by a bus which we were immediatly told was our 'Haka' or canoe! We had to shout and pretend to paddle just to get the bus driver to move. All good fun. Also on the bus journey we had to ellect a chief! We had chosen Ross, a special forces policeman (or something like that) from Belfast. He had to stand out with the chiefs from the other buses and be greeted by the approaching warriors from the village. Needless to say it wasn't just the usual shake of hands and pleasantries, oh no! They had to endure 4 or 5 warriors coming at them with spears, and other other weapons trying to intimidate them! We had been warned before hand not to laugh or smile as some of the gestures would seem a little strange, i'd call it hilarious!

Anyway after all the hoo har we were allowed into the village where they entertained us with songs and dance and then cooked us a fantastic meal of chicken, pork and other meats all cooked underground. The way they cook it is called Hangi! Good feed!