Travel Time: Tirau to Te Puia, Rotorua - 50mins (55kms) Via SH5
Guided Tour of Te-Puia Maori Arts and Crafts
Begin your adventure with a guided tour of Te-Puia's Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Here, you'll witness skilled artisans at work, creating intricate wood carvings, weaving traditional textiles, and crafting exquisite Maori artifacts. Learn about the significance of these art forms in Maori culture and their role in preserving the heritage for future generations. Watch carvers and weavers demonstrate their skills and hear guides share stories passed down from their ancestors. Te-Puia’s wānanga (school) is a lighthouse for indigenous culture worldwide, showcasing the work of internationally recognized artists.
Geothermal Valley Exploration
Venture into the awe-inspiring geothermal valley, where nature's raw power is on full display. Marvel at the dramatic geysers, including the famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, which erupts up to 30 meters high. Observe the bubbling mud pools and steaming hot springs, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape. The geothermal activity in this region is a testament to the dynamic forces beneath the Earth's crust.
Kiwi Conservation Centre Visit
Conclude your tour with a visit to the brand-new Kiwi Conservation Centre, an essential part of New Zealand's efforts to protect its iconic and endangered national bird. Get an up-close view of these nocturnal creatures in a specially designed habitat that mimics their natural environment. Learn about the conservation initiatives aimed at ensuring the survival of the kiwi and the challenges they face in the wild.
TE RĀ GUIDED EXPERIENCE
Te-Puia has welcomed manuhiri (visitors) from all over the world for generations to explore the magic hidden within Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. This guided experience includes:
Coming face to face with the biggest, naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, Pōhutu Geyser.
An up-close experience with the New Zealand Kiwi at the Kiwi Conservation Centre.
Watching exploding mud pools throughout the valley.
Viewing beautifully crafted Māori-made artwork and sculptures.
The Te Rā Guided Experience has a duration of 90 minutes. Please arrive 15 minutes before your experience time.
You can also upgrade to the Te Ra Haka Combo for an enhanced experience.
Highlights
Maori Arts and Crafts: Engage with traditional Maori culture through live demonstrations of wood carving, weaving, and other crafts.
Pohutu Geyser: Witness the spectacular eruptions of New Zealand's largest active geyser.
Geothermal Activity: Explore a landscape shaped by geothermal forces, including boiling mud pools and steaming vents.
Kiwi Conservation: Gain insight into the efforts to protect and preserve New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird.
Te Rā Guided Experience: Enjoy a comprehensive 90-minute tour, experiencing the cultural and natural wonders of Te-Puia.
Conclusion
The Te-Puia tour offers an immersive experience that combines cultural enrichment with the natural beauty of Rotorua's geothermal wonders. Whether you're fascinated by Maori traditions or intrigued by the Earth's geothermal activity, this tour promises an unforgettable and educational adventure.
