4.5 (380) · Rotorua · By Te Puia Free cancellation Likely to sell out
Embark on an exciting journey through the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, a place rich in culture and natural wonders.
Discover the iconic kiwi bird in its dedicated sanctuary and immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Māori culture.
Witness the spectacular geysers and bubbling mud pools, set against a backdrop of lush native forest. Stand in awe before the Pōhutu Geyser, the most powerful active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.
Visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre, a vital facility committed to the preservation of New Zealand's beloved national bird, housed in a specially designed nocturnal environment.
Delve into the heart of Māori heritage at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Here, students master traditional crafts like weaving, wood, stone, and bone carving, keeping indigenous culture alive and thriving.
Our expert kaiārahi (guides) will share their deep knowledge of Māori traditions and ancestral stories, offering you a unique cultural exchange.
The Te Rā guided experience lasts for 90 minutes.
✓ Expert guidance throughout your tour✓ Explore our dedicated Kiwi Conservation Centre✓ Witness the highest geyser and most active geothermal valley in the Southern Hemisphere✓ Discover schools for wood, bone, and greenstone carving, as well as flax weaving✓ Visit a Marae and a traditional Māori village✕ Food and beverages✕ Transportation to and from your hotel✕ Gratuities for guides1 Te Puia
Te Puia is located in Rotorua's Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, showcasing the raw power of the earth. It features the renowned Pōhutu Geyser, alongside a rich tapestry of Māori culture, from the land itself to its art, people, stories, traditions, and architecture. Nature trails wind through the area, home to native birdlife and New Zealand's national icon, the Kiwi bird.
The guides' knowledge and enthusiasm are key to the Te Puia experience. They share ancestral wisdom with immense pride, opening visitors' eyes to the interconnectedness of life in the Māori world and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
· 1 h 30 min · Admission included
Your mobile or paper ticket will be accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Directions: Please proceed to the main Te Puia car park, where free parking is available. Then, make your way to the main entrance.
Directions: Please proceed to the main Te Puia car park, where free parking is available. Then, make your way to the main entrance.
Kindly present your confirmation upon check-in.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
This tour is wheelchair accessible. Prams and strollers can be accommodated for infants and young children. Service animals are permitted on the tour. Public transportation is conveniently available nearby. Specialized seating for infants is provided. Transportation options are accessible for wheelchairs. The tour is suitable for all levels of physical fitness. Te Rā Guided Tour Guided tours are offered on the hour, starting from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Please indicate your preferred timeslot when making your booking. Check-in is required 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time for check-in. Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be walking involved. Bring a camera to capture the stunning geothermal features and wildlife. Be prepared to learn about fascinating Māori traditions and stories. The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 6076DAY
Activity offered by Te Puia via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Culture enthusiasts Nature lovers Travelers interested in indigenous heritage Witness the Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Encounter New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird. Immerse yourself in authentic Māori culture and traditions. Explore the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Discover the unique geothermal landscape of Te Whakarewarewa Valley.
Population 58,500 (2020)
Elevation 280 m
Currency New Zealand dollar
Official languages Māori, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 111
Capital city Wellington Average temperatures 19° Jan 19° Feb 17° Mar 14° Apr 12° May 9° Jun 8° Jul 9° Aug 11° Sept 12° Oct 14° Nov 17° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the Te Rā Guided Experience? + The Te Rā guided experience lasts for 90 minutes.
Can I bring a stroller on the tour? + Prams and strollers can be accommodated for infants and young children.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible? + Yes, this tour is wheelchair accessible.
What time do the guided tours start? + Guided tours are offered on the hour, starting from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
What should I do if I need to cancel my booking? + To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Viator review
Highly recommend!
Danielle_C, October 2026
This tour was a great way to learn about Māori culture and the efforts to keep it alive. Our guide was knowledgeable and we had a great time talking with the artisans in the school. The geysers were going off quite a bit while we were there. I highly recommend this tour to learn about Māori culture!
Response from the operator · TePuia Tēnā koe (hello),
Thank you for your wonderful review. We're so glad your kaiārahi (guide) shared their knowledge so well, and that you enjoyed chatting with the artisans at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute. Their work is at the heart of keeping our culture alive for future generations. It's great that the geysers put on a show for you too!
Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to see you again soon.
Kia pai te rā (have a nice day)
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great Experience!
marcelacT9714GB, October 2026
Wonderful experience! My family and I enjoyed the tour and our guide was amazing.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A definite must to do
JeannieCass, October 2026
We did both the cultural experience and the Haka show.
Cody was our guide and he is a breath of fresh air. Very energetic, very informative, and very funny.
He never stopped asking if we had questions, took photos as required and was just excellent.
My knowledge of the Māori culture was minimal but I am now very interested and will learn more.
The Haka is synonymous with rugby as I know it, but the meaning of it and its history was great to hear
Response from the operator · TePuia Tēnā koe (hello),
Thank you for such a lovely review. We're so pleased Cody made your visit a memorable one, and we'll be sure to pass on your kind words to our kaiārahi (guide). It's wonderful to hear that the haka's meaning and history resonated with you, and that your interest in Māori culture has been sparked.
Kia pai te rā (have a nice day)
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Amazing Experience
T2638AEbelindas, October 2026
Te Puia was an amazing experience, combining Māori culture, storytelling, delicious food, and a spectacular evening atmosphere. The performances were engaging and the whole experience felt authentic and memorable. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator · TePuia Tēnā koe (hello),
Thank you so much for such a wonderful review. We're delighted that the storytelling, performances and kai (food) made your evening feel authentic and memorable, as that is exactly what we hope every visitor experiences. Sharing our culture with you was a pleasure.
Kia pai te rā (have a nice day)
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A great tour !
JaneC1913, September 2026
Very informative guides, lovely scenery & amazing natural beauty- so iconic. Tour experience & entertainment was great
Show more reviews