Te Rā Guided Experience
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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 kaiārahi (guides) will share their Māori traditions and heritage with you, passing down ancestral stories and insights along the way.
Te Rā guided experience has a duration of 90 minutes.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Highest Geyser and most active Geothermal Valley in the Southern Hemisphere
Professional guide
Explore a Marae and Maori village
Explore our Kiwi Conservation Centre
Wood, Bone & Greenstone carving, flax weaving schools.
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Te Puia
Te Puia is situated in the geothermal valley of Te Whakarewarewa, Rotorua and is a powerful reminder of the earth’s natural force. With remarkable geothermal features including the famous Pōhutu Geyser and rich layers of Māori culture, from the land itself to the artworks, the people, stories, traditions and architecture. There are nature trails teeming with native bird life and you will even find the New Zealand icon, the Kiwi bird on site. The knowledge and passion of our guides is often what makes the Te Puia visitor experience so special. Passing on the knowledge and wisdom handed down from their ancestors carries a special pride. It opens visitors’ eyes to the interconnectedness of life in the Māori world, and touches hearts across cultures.
Options
Te Rā Guided Tour
Guided Tour : Guided Tours are available on the hour from 9am, to 4pm. Please specify the timeslot when booking. Check in 15 min prior.
Reviews
293 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Neat experience in Rotorua
Francisco N,
Jul 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Visiting Te Puia in July was a terrific experience. We were able to see a Kiwi up and about looking for worms, an active geyser, and walk through the Māori Arts and Crafts institute. This was a great tour to start my time in Rotorua.
Do Not Miss!!!
Lara K,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is an absolutely amazing, must do! I would highly recommend and spend the extra time to just hang around and enjoy watching the mud pools bubble and the geysers play. The tour guide was friendly and informative. Even the cafe was delicious.
So many to choose from, but this tour was one of the best!
Robert B,
May 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00As there were a few options in the area for hot springs, I decided to choose this one as it had the cultural experience and I am glad that I did. Our guide, the area and the school were all great to see and hear.
Te Puia is amazing, with a lot to offer
Jessica B,
Apr 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Definitely go to Te Puia, accessible by tour, car or public bus. The mud pools and geysers are quite astounding and the kiwi centre is just beautiful. the guides are really interesting and helpful and show how people can live authentically.
It is interesting to...
Hao Z,
Apr 12, 2025
- Viator
4.00It is interesting to learn Mori culture and seeing Kiwi bird. The main geyser didn't erupt when we were there that is disappointed. If I knew no guarantee to see it I would not go since the ticket is expensive. Self guided tour is better for this place.
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