Tuesday we were looking forward to an organized tour in Napier. It was to be a Mauri experience with a ride on an authentic war canoe - a Waka, followed by a visit to a Marae (a traditional Mauri meeting place).
Well, the 40 people with us on the canoe didn't enter into the spirit of the experience and the subsequent paddling was appalling and exhausting. The whole experience was out of context being in and around the Harbour marina.
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| Mauri Meeting Place |
The visit to the Marae was well meaning but slow and painful. All in all for us a disappointing experience and not at all our expectations of understanding Mauri culture. Hopefully we can do better in Auckland.
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| Dining Hall Mural |
Sadly there was not much time left to explore Napier which was a delightful town. Art deco buildings were everywhere and the town felt warm and welcoming.
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