Te Puia: Te Rā Guided Experience

Explore geothermal wonders, witness the iconic Pohutu Geyser, visit a Kiwi conservation center, and learn about traditional Māori arts and crafts.

Your experience

Te Puia’s Te Rā Guided Experience takes you on a 90-minute tour through one of New Zealand’s most remarkable geothermal landscapes. You’ll start by visiting the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, home to the world-famous Pohutu Geyser, which can erupt up to 30 meters high. The valley is dotted with boiling mud pools, and your guide will explain the geothermal wonders of the area.

Next, step into the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where you’ll see master carvers and weavers at work. Learn about the skills passed down through generations as you witness intricate wood, bone, and greenstone carvings in progress. You’ll also get an up-close look at flax weaving and the traditional techniques used to create everyday Māori items.

During the tour, you’ll visit a kiwi conservation center, where the rare and nocturnal national bird of New Zealand is protected. Cameras are not allowed, so this moment will stay in your memory, rather than on your phone.

Your experience concludes with a visit to a marae, a traditional Māori meeting house, and a guided exploration of the village.