East Coast Isolation

We'd heard and read about the wonderful scenery and authentic Maori culture of the East Coast and decided to spend a day exploring the area. The beaches and quaint towns were fantastic, I'm just not sure where all the people were. The only 'real' Maori we came across was at the Meeting House in Te Kaha. He was telling an american chap about the meaning of the intricate carvings of the house but the tattoos covering his face were far more impressive. Even the bravest among us would most certainly run for our lives if we came upon him in a dark alley.