Another dash through Auckland

Day 162 – Auckland, New Zealand

I arrived yesterday in Auckland, and spent today in the War Memorial Museum, which has a large Maori culture exhibit as well as a cultural performance I went to watch.

I went for a combined ticket that included a highlight tour (a guided tour giving you a highlight of the museum’s attractions) and a Maori performance in addition to the access to the museum’s collections.

I had a bit of time before the highlight tour, so I started with the Maori exhibit. I may have missed some explanations, but I remain convinced that they plunges right into some details, forgetting that some visitors may have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. (That’s me, by the way.) So it’s nice to start on how this or that piece belongs to this or that tribe/family, when it was given to the museum, but it still doesn’t explain what it is, its use, its meaning, and so on. I got more details when the tour guide gave us some explanations in passing at Cap Reinga!

Auckland War Memorial Museum – Meeting house

So that part of the museum was frustrating.

The highlight tour was so-so, we had a nice guide, we were a tiny group (4 people), but the guide had to think through his words at times to find the right ones (he was originally from Indonesia), and that made the tour a bit more difficult.

Then I went to the cultural performance, where we were encouraged to photograph and film the songs and dance (which I did, now I have to find a medium to share them). It was good, and I enjoyed it.

Auckland War Memorial Museum – The warrior at the cultural Maori show

Maoris carve many of their tools, and also the pillars of their houses. They tend to carve stylised representation of their ancestors, and while it can be interesting at times… I find it often disturbing. The big eyes inlaid with abalone shell, the heads twisted at the side… eery. Some other carvings are just animals or patterns, it’s more enjoyable.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Other exhibits include a few artefacts on other Polynesian cultures, dioramas of animals in their habitat (kiwis!), skeletons of present or past birds… There is a volcano exhibit, with a house where you can experience what would happen if a volcano were to erupt in Auckland’s bay. Fun! 

After the visit, I came back to the hostel on foot, crossing through a few parks that were in the way (otherwise I might not have considered doing it!). I braved the (sparse) rain but enjoyed the walk.

All the pictures are online here!