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Te Puia

Home to the Pohutu Geyser, the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and a kiwi conservation programme, all within one geothermal valley.

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Quick Facts

Region: Bay of Plenty, North Island
Best time: Year-round
Entry fee: From NZD $59 (adult)
Duration: 2–3 hours

Overview

Te Puia sits within the Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley on the edge of Rotorua, and combines the region's natural geothermal drawcards with a living centre for Māori arts. Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, erupts up to 20 times a day and is often visible from well outside the park.

The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute operates on-site, training young carvers and weavers in traditional techniques passed down through generations. Te Puia is also home to the National Kiwi Hatchery, which incubates and raises kiwi chicks before they're released into predator-free sanctuaries.

Things To Do

Pohutu Geyser — watch the Southern Hemisphere's largest active geyser erupt from a viewing platform.
National Kiwi Hatchery — see kiwi chicks being cared for at the on-site conservation centre.
Cultural performance — a haka and poi show performed in the carved wharenui (meeting house).
Wood carving and weaving schools — watch apprentices training in traditional Māori arts.
Guided geothermal valley walk — a short walk past bubbling mud pools and silica terraces.

Tip: Evening packages combine a cultural performance with a hāngi (traditional earth-oven) dinner — book ahead, as these sell out over summer.

Getting There

Te Puia is about 10 minutes' drive from central Rotorua, and is also served by shuttle buses from the city. There's parking on site.

Address	Hemo Road, Rotorua 3010
Opening Hours	8:00am – 5:00pm daily
Entry Fee	From NZD $59 (adult), higher for evening cultural packages
Duration	2–3 hours
Accessibility	Main pathways are wheelchair accessible; some geothermal areas have steps