I have always been sceptical of 'cultural' experiences ever since I was forced to dress up in a hideous skirt, blouse and hat which made me look like a fat oompa-loompa so at first I wasn't really sure if I wanted to take part in the Maori Cultural experience that my Stray Backpacker bus offered.

Being in New Zealand, cultural or traditional experiences are readily available but they've never really been something I would choose to do, for obvious fear of being humiliated again. It's not ignorance but more of a lack of understanding and a fear of the unknown for me but it is understandable that for some backpackers on a budget, it's the adventure they want to splash out on, not the culture.

However, the backpacker buses are now taking backpackers to parts of New Zealand that can offer that insight into Maori culture and tradition. Quite right really, none of us would be here without them. This was where I got my first taste of a Maori cultural experience and finally got over the humiliation of my previous experience. The Stray Backpacker Bus stops at Uncle Boi's, Uncle Boi is a larger than life Maori who has opened his home, or marae, to a load of backpackers.

Uncle Boi is not to be messed with. He also has the most wicked smile. He lives out in Maketu on New Zealand's East Coast and gives you an honest experience, not one that is fluffed up to be something more than it really is. Understanding that backpackers need a good feed at the end of the day the traditional Hangi meal includes some of the best stuffing I have ever eaten, and I have eaten my fair share of stuffing.

It may surprise most that Uncle Boi is clued up with backpacker mentality and judging by the AJ Hackett Nevis Bungy Certificate on his wall, he is keen to keep history and culture informative but entertaining and lighthearted. Having been well and truely fed, the Maori cultural experience begins. Uncle Boi certainly knows how to get you all past that uncomfortable stage of following Maori tradition where everyone shakes each others hands and touches noses. Imagine going round everyone in your group and leaning in as if you are about to pash them. It is also advisable not to get too into it and headbutt a few people.

At this point the males and females were divided and this is where you need an open mind and a sense of humour. Having chosen to come on the Maori cultural experience you really do have to embrace every part of it. The girls were learning the poi dance, a poi being a ball attached to some string which gets swung round and caught in various moves.

It is actually harder to catch than you would think! You do have to sing and it doesn't matter if you can't sing well, you also have to "shake what your mamma gave you". Love that phrase! This is where the tank ass comes in handy, especially when those young Maori complained we weren't shaking our hips enough. You get to perform your newly learnt dance and song to the men, who were very supportive giving out some serious cheer, I guess the hip shaking worked.

Next up the men perform the Haka and this is awesome, the guys really got into it and a room full of men with no tops on should be enough to persuade anyone to participate.

Sleeping in the marae is a totally unique experience, it is a cross between staying in a giant dorm and being on a kind of guide camp. Either way, it reminds you how much fun those things are. Grab your mattress, your duvet and find a spot to snuggle. Sadly I do have to remind people to be aware of other people's space, especially men who need to be aware not all men like to be that close.

Awkwardness over, an excellent sleep follows and the next thing you know Abba is ringing around the kitchen requesting a man after midnight. It was short and sweet but actually I would have liked to have learnt a bit more. It was a lot of fun which I guess is the moral of the story, to make friends and appreciate everyone and their culture. A big thank you to Uncle Boi for rebuilding my faith in cultural experiences and continuing to add that little zest of eccentric tradition to the backpacker trail.

About the Author: Cheska is a keen traveler who has visited many countries in the past few years, including China and much of South America. She's currently on a Stray backpacker Bus travelling around New Zealand

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