Video: Traditional Maori Haka Dance

by Dave on December 17, 2007 · 22 comments

During our third night of the bus tour, we stopped in Maketu for a bit of traditional Maori culture. We were entertained by a family’s music/dance show, and then the guys were invited to learn the Haka dance, while the ladies learned another type of dance. The lack of shirts was mandatory and it’s clear we’re all in need of a good tan!



After the show, we all grabbed mattresses and blankets and had a big slumber party in the large entertainment space.

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Categories: New Zealand

22 Comments

Stu December 17, 2007 at 2:33 pm

nice going. just as an FYI, haka is a kind of dance, as everyone and their uncle has a different ‘haka’, eg: the AB’s is ‘ka-mate’. some private schools will have their own haka, etc. its like scottish tarten. everyone has a kilt, every family has different patterns :)

as you going to a hangi? mmmmmmm niiice food.

Reply

Dave December 20, 2007 at 5:12 am

a hangi….hmmm, if that’s the style of food, I’ve had some. If it’s something else, then I’ve heard/seen it though don’t know what it is (Maori party?).

Reply

Stu December 20, 2007 at 5:15 pm

They cook the food in the sand/ground and leave it to cook there. mmmmmmmm

Hope all is good with you from the earthquake NZ just had….

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Stu December 17, 2007 at 9:33 am

nice going. just as an FYI, haka is a kind of dance, as everyone and their uncle has a different ‘haka’, eg: the AB’s is ‘ka-mate’. some private schools will have their own haka, etc. its like scottish tarten. everyone has a kilt, every family has different patterns :)

as you going to a hangi? mmmmmmm niiice food.

Reply

Dave December 20, 2007 at 12:12 am

a hangi….hmmm, if that’s the style of food, I’ve had some. If it’s something else, then I’ve heard/seen it though don’t know what it is (Maori party?).

Reply

Stu December 20, 2007 at 12:15 pm

They cook the food in the sand/ground and leave it to cook there. mmmmmmmm

Hope all is good with you from the earthquake NZ just had….

Reply

Jeff December 17, 2007 at 12:38 pm

I loved NZ when I went, such an amazing place! great post by the way

Reply

Jeff December 17, 2007 at 5:38 pm

I loved NZ when I went, such an amazing place! great post by the way

Reply

Ames December 18, 2007 at 1:46 pm

Dave….Your posts, pictures and videos are great! That dancing was very cool indeed…are you finding yourself adequately prepared for most of your adventures? (what you packed and expected to do?)

Reply

Dave December 20, 2007 at 5:15 am

Hi Amy –

Thanks! I’m actually quite happy with what I brought – almost everything is being used, including my hiking boots for the Tongariro Crossing (saved renting a pair, though others did it in sneakers without trouble). So far, I’ve thrown out a pair of socks (down to 2) and a USB cable. I want to buy another t-shirt, and possibly new shorts/pants, though I don’t think I have the desire to pay regular USA prices for them, so I’m going to hold out until Asia in February. :)

Reply

Ames December 18, 2007 at 8:46 am

Dave….Your posts, pictures and videos are great! That dancing was very cool indeed…are you finding yourself adequately prepared for most of your adventures? (what you packed and expected to do?)

Reply

Dave December 20, 2007 at 12:15 am

Hi Amy –

Thanks! I’m actually quite happy with what I brought – almost everything is being used, including my hiking boots for the Tongariro Crossing (saved renting a pair, though others did it in sneakers without trouble). So far, I’ve thrown out a pair of socks (down to 2) and a USB cable. I want to buy another t-shirt, and possibly new shorts/pants, though I don’t think I have the desire to pay regular USA prices for them, so I’m going to hold out until Asia in February. :)

Reply

Daniel December 18, 2007 at 2:57 pm

David,

I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your trip with us all. I have a special folder to keep them all in.

Living vicariously through YOU, and missing my bud here at WORK!!!

Daniel

Reply

Dave December 20, 2007 at 5:17 am

Hey Daniel –

Good to hear from you! It didn’t take long for me to feel validated in my decision to take this trip. I sent a postcard Stephen’s way so hopefully you’ll get that someday. :)

Reply

Daniel December 18, 2007 at 9:57 am

David,

I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your trip with us all. I have a special folder to keep them all in.

Living vicariously through YOU, and missing my bud here at WORK!!!

Daniel

Reply

Dave December 20, 2007 at 12:17 am

Hey Daniel –

Good to hear from you! It didn’t take long for me to feel validated in my decision to take this trip. I sent a postcard Stephen’s way so hopefully you’ll get that someday. :)

Reply

Leo December 19, 2007 at 5:14 am

Oh man! all that sun and no tan? oh my! ;-)

I’ve seen this dance at the New Zealand rugby team games here in DC. I believe it’s meant to scare your opponents.

Leo

Reply

Dave December 20, 2007 at 5:20 am

Yes – scare your enemy, or these days, the other team. I think the only thing that would’ve scared people is my farmer’s tan.

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Leo December 19, 2007 at 12:14 am

Oh man! all that sun and no tan? oh my! ;-)

I’ve seen this dance at the New Zealand rugby team games here in DC. I believe it’s meant to scare your opponents.

Leo

Reply

Dave December 20, 2007 at 12:20 am

Yes – scare your enemy, or these days, the other team. I think the only thing that would’ve scared people is my farmer’s tan.

Reply

Dance Videos August 24, 2008 at 9:08 pm

Hey that was a great share! I have definitely added this to my favorites!

Reply

Dance Videos August 25, 2008 at 2:08 am

Hey that was a great share! I have definitely added this to my favorites!

Reply

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