Experiences

Experience a day of excitement, culture, and connection at Te Puia – offering diverse experiences for the whole family. Generations of visitors have explored the hidden magic of Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Traverse the geothermal valley on our waka or electric shuttle and delve into its captivating wonders. Get up close to the native Kiwi bird in our new Kiwi Conservation Centre.

Encounter the Southern Hemisphere’s largest natural geyser, Pōhutu Geyser, which naturally erupts skyward over 15 times during a day. This is New Zealand’s most prolific geyser and is a sight to behold.

Watch skilled carvers and weavers demonstrate their expertise at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where indigenous material culture is on display through the lens of internationally recognized artists.

During the day, embark on the Te Rā Guided Experience, led by passionate guides who infuse a personal touch into Te Puia’s history and lineage. Explore a Jurassic-like landscape featuring native bush, geysers, and mud pools.

Add a spine-tingling cultural performance to your tour for the Te Rā + Haka combo. This includes the traditional welcome ceremony, songs, chants, poi, and haka within the impressive traditionally carved wharenui or meeting house.

When the sun goes down, Te Puia takes on a whole new life and feel. Enjoy a Hāngī Buffet Dinner + Haka with our evening Te Pō from 5:30pm or upgrade to our Te Pō Combo (Guided Experience, Buffet Dinner + Haka) which starts every day at 4pm with an afternoon guided experience and then guests are invited to join Te Pō diners in Pātaka Kai Restaurant & Bar for a sumptuous hāngī dinner buffet. Our evening hosts then usher you to the exquisitely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua, for a night of cultural entertainment before boarding the electric shuttle to finish the evening with a hot chocolate beneath the stars, surrounded by geothermal steam and sound.

As the sun sets and the world hushes into darkness, the most captivating love story in Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland awakens, and you’re invited to be part of it. Geyser By Night is a magical journey that until now, was a closely guarded secret. Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley reveals its secrets under the velvet embrace of night, promising a sensory spectacle that exists nowhere else on Earth. This evening walking tour explores parts of the geothermal valley that are not seen during the day.

Everyone is welcome to shop at the Oha Gift Store, Āhua Gallery, or dine at Pātaka Kai Restaurant & Bar or Hiakai Café.

Heard about our Whānau Card?

If you are a NZ local we have a great option that you might like to sign up to.  By joining the Whānau Card Legacy, you not only get fantastic opportunities and membership benefits at Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, but you also become part of the legacy supporting the valuable work that contributes to the very fabric of our country.  Read more about this option here.