In the presence of one of Te Puia's most experienced guides, you'll explore this highly informative and interactive complex. Te Puia is one of New Zealand's leading attractions and comprises the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, as well as being home to a kiwi house and staging many excellent cultural performances. The tour can of course be adapted to suit the personal needs and preferences of the group, but here we outline a suggested itinerary.
Beginning the day with a pōwhiri welcoming ceremony, you'll experience traditional Māori song and dance. Your guide will then take you away from the crowds to the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where you'll learn about the carving trainee programme the centre offers. Take the chance to watch master carvers discuss this ancient art with trainees and demonstrate its current practice. You will also learn about traditional and contemporary weaving, participating in the creation of a simple woven article. Next on to view the spectacular geothermal valley with its geysers and boiling mud pools — a real Rotorua icon. Finally, take a stroll through the kiwi enclosure, hopefully catching a glimpse of this rare, elusive bird.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Mitai Māori Night
This evening of Māori culture is both entertaining and educational. The cultural display, performed by a talented local cast, consists of the formal welcome, traditional dances and Māori weaponry display, as well as the arrival of the warriors by ancient canoe.
Whirinaki Eco-Culture Walk
This full day walk into one of New Zealand's most remarkable native forests takes you to the heart of the Urewera Ranges.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
