A Hangi is the traditional Maori way of preparing food. Originally, a hole was digged in the ground that was filled with stones that had been heated up in a fire. Then some water is sprinkled over the stones, the food like chicken, lamb, potatoes or kumara gets put into baskets and onto the stones. In the end, it's all covered with blankets and some earth and left underground for three hours.

The Hangi that I went to was organized for tourists. In addition to some good food there was an introduction to Maori traditions on a stage in front of a replica Maori village. Although the commercial aspects of the entire presentation were obvious it was still an interesting evening. I guess, after having been in NZ for over a year I just felt I should have seen something like this.