Experience Te Puia

This experience is only available in summer, with bookings open from 29th September 2025.

Embark on a 2 hour 45 minute premium experience that takes you to hidden areas of our valley. Discover how our ancestors have utilised the mineral-rich geothermal pools for centuries, using them for both cooking and bathing.

Savour samples of sweetcorn in an ancient boiling ngāwhā (hot pool) while hearing the captivating tale of Hatupatu, a brave warrior who escaped the mythical birdwoman, Kurungaituku. This legendary escape, whispered far and wide, holds a secret known only to Hatupatu: amidst the peril, a fleeting love was born—an enchanted bond.

A moderate level of fitness is required to enjoy a scenic walk-through enchanting bushland, along winding geothermal sinter paths and into the heart of the mysterious geothermal valley. Your journey includes the Kiwi Conservation Centre, the sacred Rotowhio marae grounds, and the renowned New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Finish your tour with a captivating cultural performance in our beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui-a-Rua. It will include a pōhiri (traditional Māori welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi and haka. This exclusive guided tour is limited to 20 participants and departs daily at 1:30pm.

This experience is only available in summer, with bookings open from 29th September 2025.

Experience a day filled with excitement, culture, and connection as you explore Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Encounter our national treasure, the kiwi, and immerse yourself in Māori culture.

Discover awe-inspiring geysers, bubbling mud, and lush native bush during our guided Te Rā experience. Get up close to Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visit the kiwi in a specially designed nocturnal enclosure at the Kiwi Conservation Centre, dedicated to preserving this iconic bird.

Dive deeper into Māori heritage at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where students hone traditional skills in weaving, wood, stone and bone carving. Our wānanga (school) serves as a beacon for indigenous culture.

Our knowledgeable guides will share their Māori traditions and heritage with you, passing down ancestral stories and insights along the way.

Take your guided experience to the next level, upgrade to a Te Rā + Haka Combo!

Te Rā guided experience has a duration of 90 minutes.

Our most popular day experience.

Rotorua’s world-class guided experience and cultural performance.

This exhilarating combo extends on from our Te Rā experience by adding a captivating cultural performance in our beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a pōhiri (traditional Māori welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi and haka.

The Te Rā guided experience features a 90-minute walk through our geothermal valley, where you’ll visit the Pōhutu Geyser, the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will share their Māori traditions, heritage, and ancestral stories, offering unique insights into our rich culture.

Winter special on now - Te Rā Guided Experience + Free haka
Was: Adult $135, Child $72.50
Now: Adult $100, Child $50

Valid until 28th September 2025