A lunchtime departure from rotorua meant we were back on the road again but not for long. We headed to the rainbow mountains to pick up our local Maori guide. He explained to us the local history and culture. He started by taking us through the forests which are the biggest manmade forests in the world. Previously the locals were employed in the forest, cutting down trees etc, until it recently became commercialised. This had the knock on effect of the locals losing their jobs and they became very poor. We would later see just how poor when we went to the town. But first he showed us a couple of nice walks; ancient Cave art and also a local waterfall. He was explaining its such a shame for this area to be poor and to have such a small population as it's one of the most beautiful places in the North Island of New Zealand. We would later be introduced to the family that own the business we were about to stay with that have a vision to try to change this. At present this area is so untouched but almost struggling to survive. They need tourism to try and keep it going.
He told us lots of stories about his Maori tribe; they were known for eel fishing. This is something you could pay to do that evening but I didn't fancy it as I find eels a bit gross!! I did however try some they caught but i wasn't a fan!
We then were shown the poor town of Mudapara before going further into the country side (about 5-10mins away) to lake aniwhenua, the lakefront lodge where we would be staying the night with the locals that own the business. It was a beautiful place with stunning views overlooking the lake. The couple that owned it set it up exactly 1 year ago and really touched me with their vision. They were so genuine and passionate about what they were doing. They set it up from scratch and just want to help the fellow locals who have no money. They could make a fortune out of us tourists from the stray bus if they wanted to but everything they earn goes into restoring the cave art, keeping the endangered wildlife going and even feeding the children at the school who would have no food otherwise. Unfortunately we visited on a Sunday otherwise normally we would have gone into the school, fed them and taught them about our culture. It really is amazing what these people do. It was a big eye opener for me that even in 2014, in a country like New Zealand, there is still lots of poverty. Yet these people are so happy, happier than the majority of the rich english people I know back home! It was quite sad but actually puts things into perspective and makes you realise what's important. That evening we had so much fun! They showed us how to make a Hagi! This was amazing! They dug a hole in the ground, put a special type of rock in it and heated them up with a blowtorch, put the food on top and then covered the hole up with a plastic sheet with mud on. After 2.5 hours our feast was ready! And it was amazing... We had chicken, pork, eel, stuffing, vegetables, potatoes and gravy! Then for dessert, sponge and custard, i was so full it hurt! We were then told afterwards that the leftovers would go to the children / old people in the village. I then felt bad as if I'd known this before I wouldn't have eaten anywhere near as much! After tea we listened to the speech from the hosts about their vision for the next 10 years. They hope to restore the beautiful village so that there is no longer poverty. I'm sure they will achieve this. They have such determination. We then listened to stories again and went to bed, staying one night. We got up at 3am however to watch the important rugby game england vs New Zealand. It was a great atmosphere at 3am with the kiwis! Unfortunately we lost but the all blacks are just amazing. I went back to bed for 2 hours before getting up for breakfast. It doesn't matter that you're tired here though as there's always time for an afternoon nap!