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Te Puia is New Zealand’s premier Māori cultural and geothermal destination, located in the heart of Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley in Rotorua. Home to the spectacular Pōhutu Geyser, the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI), and a world-class Kiwi Conservation Centre, Te Puia offers visitors the opportunity to experience living Māori culture alongside one of the country’s most extraordinary geothermal landscapes. Discover dramatic geysers, bubbling mud pools, native bush, traditional carving and weaving in action, captivating cultural performances, guided tours, and authentic hāngī dining, all in one unforgettable experience.

Rotorua is home to several incredible geothermal attractions, each offering something unique. Te Puia is ideal for visitors looking to experience more than just geothermal landscapes. Set within the spectacular Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, Te Puia combines dramatic geothermal features, including the world-famous Pōhutu Geyser, with Māori culture. Visitors can explore steaming valleys and bubbling mud pools, watch master carvers and weavers at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, enjoy a guided cultural experience, visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and experience an authentic hāngī. For those wanting to experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders alongside the stories, traditions and people that make them so special, Te Puia offers a uniquely immersive experience.

Te Puia is a ticketed attraction and entry is not free. Admission includes access to the spectacular Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, the world-famous Pōhutu Geyser, the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Guided tours are included with daytime admission, and free parking is available on site. If you’re not visiting the attraction, you can still visit Āhua Gallery free of charge without purchasing a Te Puia admission ticket.

During the day, all visits to Te Puia are guided, giving every visitor a deeper understanding of the geothermal valley, Māori culture and the site’s history. In the evening, the Mārama experience takes a more relaxed, hosted format, allowing visitors to explore the valley more freely while still being supported by knowledgeable hosts.

Rotorua’s most famous geyser is Pōhutu, found within Te Puia’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. As the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, Pōhutu erupts up to 20 times a day and can reach heights of up to 30 metres, making it one of the most spectacular and reliable geysers to see in New Zealand.

Te Puia is located at 20 Hemo Road in Rotorua, New Zealand, just minutes from the city centre. Set within the spectacular Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, it’s easily accessible by car, bus or on foot, with free on-site parking available for visitors.

Te Puia is proudly iwi owned. Ownership was transferred from the Crown under the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Vesting Act 2020 and is now held by Te Puia NZMACI Limited Partnership on behalf of Wāhiao Tūhourangi o Whakarewarewa, Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust, and the Ngāti Whakaue hapū of Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotū and Ngāti Te Kahu. This ownership ensures Māori culture, arts and traditions remain at the heart of everything Te Puia does.

Te Puia brings geothermal wonder and living Māori culture together in a single visit: watching Pōhutu Geyser erupt, seeing tauira at work at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, meeting kiwi at the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and enjoying a cultural performance and hāngī. For visitors wanting natural spectacle and cultural depth together rather than one or the other, it’s widely considered one of Rotorua’s must-do experiences.

Pōhutu Geyser erupts up to 20 times every day, making it one of the most active and reliable geysers in New Zealand. Located within Te Puia’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, it’s the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere and often reaches heights of up to 30 metres. While eruption times can’t be guaranteed, its frequent activity means most visitors are lucky enough to see it erupt during their visit.

Pōhutu Geyser is located within Te Puia, so seeing it up close requires admission to the attraction. Your ticket includes access to the geothermal valley, guided tours, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, making it much more than simply a visit to a geyser.

If you need to cancel or change your booking, please contact Te Puia by phone or email at least 48 hours before your scheduled experience. Group bookings of 10 or more require at least 72 hours’ notice. Eligible cancellations made within these timeframes may receive a refund in accordance with Te Puia’s booking terms and conditions.

Rotorua’s most famous geyser is Pōhutu, found within Te Puia’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. As the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, Pōhutu erupts up to 20 times a day and can reach heights of up to 30 metres, making it one of the most spectacular and reliable geysers to see in New Zealand.

There are several convenient transport options to reach Te Puia:

• Self-Drive: The easiest way to find us is by entering ‘Te Puia, Rotorua’ into Google Maps. Free parking is available on-site.
• Rideshare and Taxis: Uber services are available in Rotorua, as well as local taxi providers such as Rotorua Taxis.
• Bus: The Rotorua City Ride departs every 30 minutes until 6PM from the bus stop opposite the Pullman Hotel.

We offer free parking for all visitors, with spaces available in both our main car park and the southern end of the park.

Te Puia is conveniently located at 20 Hemo Road, Rotorua.

Te Puia operates rain or shine, so you can enjoy your visit no matter the weather. We recommend bringing your own raincoat or umbrella. Alternatively, ponchos are available for purchase at our on-site retail store.

Te Puia is wheelchair accessible to ensure all visitors can enjoy the valley. If you don’t have your own wheelchair, we offer complimentary wheelchairs on-site. Simply visit our ticketing office upon arrival to arrange one. Read all of our accessibility information here.

Yes, during the day all visits to Te Puia are guided. This helps ensure every guest has a deeper, more enriching experience as they explore our valley and learn about our culture, geothermal wonders, and history.

In the evening, our Mārama experience is hosted rather than guided, giving you the freedom to explore the valley at your own pace.

Yes, Te Puia is a completely cashless site. All payments at our admissions office, retail stores, and food & beverage outlets will need to be made by credit or debit card.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, WeChat Pay, Alipay, UnionPay, and JCB.

No transaction fees apply.

A standard Te Rā tour is 1.5hours (90 minutes).

Our guided tour covers the highlights of Te Puia, including:

• The stunning geothermal valley and Pōhutu Geyser, however we can’t guarantee you will see Pōhutu Geyser erupting.
• The Kiwi Conservation Centre
• The New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute

Please note that the majority of the tour involves walking to fully experience the valleys features. However, a train is available to bring you back up from the geothermal valley for your convenience.

Tours depart every hour, on the hour, daily. Please refer to the operating hours listed above to plan your visit.

Yes, children love the lights! Please note this is a late evening outdoor experience with a 1.5km walk required. We recommend dressing children warmly and ensuring they are comfortable for cooler weather.

The walk is an estimated 60 minutes, with a number of locations to stay and enjoy the lights, including on the heated terraces overlooking Pōhutu Geyser.

This experience runs in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if it’s raining.