Video: Traditional Maori Haka Dance

Posted by Dave on 17 December 2007.

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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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This post was written by:

Dave - who has written 994 posts on Go Backpacking.

Dave Lee (Editor-in-Chief) blogged his way around the world from 2007-2009, and then started Travel Blog Success to teach others how to do the same. When not writing, he can be found salsa dancing, and lamenting his untimely departure from Medellin. Follow him on Twitter @rtwdave

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Dance Videos

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

Leo

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

Dave

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.

Daniel

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

Dave

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. :)

Ames

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?)

Dave

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. :)

Jeff

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

Stu

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.

Dave

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?).