Te Puia Geothermal Valley Experience

North Island

ExperienceKart

from

NZ$649

per person

Book Now

Tourists at Te Puia viewing platform overlooking Pōhutu Geyser in Rotorua

Experiences

History and Māori Culture

Hot Springs and Geothermal Attractions

Family-friendly Tours

Shore Excursions

Private Tours

Small Group Tours

North Island

Start: Auckland

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 11 hours

Details

Exploring New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty on the Way to Rotorua

Travelling from Auckland through the Bay of Plenty, you’ll be treated to picturesque coastlines, lush farmland, and majestic mountain views. The route includes a drive through the enchanting Fitzgerald Glade, where sunlight filters through towering trees. Arriving in Rotorua, the city’s steaming vents and rich Māori heritage create an unforgettable first impression.

Your visit continues through Rotorua’s top attractions, from the elegant Government Gardens and Blue Baths to the soothing Whangapipiro thermal springs. The Polynesian Spa offers a moment of pure relaxation, surrounded by the scent of native bush and mineral-rich waters. Every stop adds another layer of cultural discovery and scenic beauty to your North Island adventure.

Visitor and Māori host greeting each other with a hongi at Te Puia in Rotorua

Pōhutu Geyser erupting under a clear blue sky at Te Puia in Rotorua with visitors on the boardwalk nearby

Three Māori performers mid-air with traditional weapons during a cultural show at Te Puia in Rotorua

Family walking along a boardwalk with steam rising from geysers in the background at Te Puia in Rotorua

Māori carver working on a traditional pou at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia, Rotorua

Close-up of a traditional carved pou with intricate Māori designs at Te Puia, Rotorua

Close-up of a traditional Māori whalebone carving in progress at Te Takapū in Rotorua

Close-up of a traditional Māori stone carving in progress at Te Tekapu carving school, Rotorua

Close-up of hands weaving a traditional flax basket at Te Rito, Te Puia

Close-up of a carver’s hands working on a detailed pounamu (greenstone) design at Te Takapū, Te Puia’s carving school in Rotorua

Close-up of hands weaving a traditional Māori piupiu skirt at Te Rito, the national weaving school at Te Puia in Rotorua

Te Puia guide speaking to visitors inside the Kiwi Conservation Centre in Rotorua

Close-up of a young kiwi bird being held carefully as part of the conservation programme at Te Puia in Rotorua

Māori warrior performing the wero challenge during a traditional haka welcome at Te Puia marae

Māori performers using poi during a haka performance in a traditional village setting, watched by visitors

Māori performers striking powerful poses on stage during a haka performance inside a carved wharenui

Three Māori warriors performing traditional haka inside wharenui at Te Puia, Rotorua

Close-up of a smiling Māori performer using poi during a haka dance in a cultural village setting

Māori performers in traditional dress performing a haka pōhiri in front of a wharenui at Te Puia in Rotorua

Māori performers demonstrating traditional haka stick games on stage during a cultural experience in Rotorua

The Living Culture and Geothermal Wonders of Te Puia

Just minutes from Rotorua’s centre, Te Puia stands as a living showcase of Aotearoa’s geothermal and cultural treasures. Gaze upon the awe-inspiring Pōhutu Geyser, erupting skyward up to twenty times a day, and explore bubbling mud pools and steaming vents that have sustained generations. Māori guides share the deep traditions and legends that give life to this remarkable valley.

Beyond the natural wonders, Te Puia offers an immersive cultural experience with the national schools of wood carving and weaving. Taste the rich flavours of a traditional Māori hangi buffet and enjoy a moving concert that brings ancient stories to life through song and dance. The memories of this authentic connection to New Zealand’s spirit stay with you long after returning to Auckland.

Highlights

Scenic countryside drive from Auckland, with photo opportunities along the way.
See Rotorua’s historic Government Gardens, Blue Baths, and Whangapipiro thermal springs.
Plenty of time to take in the region’s extraordinary geothermal landscape.
Witness the impressive eruption of Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.
Visit the kiwi bird enclosure to catch a glimpse of New Zealand’s national icon.
Watch as thick mud pools bubble and steam in the geothermal valley.
Explore Whakarewarewa, a living geothermal wonderland steeped in cultural significance.
Learn about the Māori connection to the land, including traditional uses of geothermal energy.
Try your hand at traditional weaving techniques, guided by local craftspeople.

JOURNEY INCLUSIONS

Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland.
Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in Auckland.
Refreshments and bottled water available throughout the journey.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi onboard your vehicle.
English-speaking guide providing commentary and insights throughout the day.
Comfortable, climate-controlled private transport.
Exclusive, hands-on cultural activities and authentic local engagement.
Flexible schedule with time to explore at your leisure.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Entry and guided tour of Te Puia Geothermal Valley.
Traditional Māori hāngī buffet lunch.
Live Māori cultural performance at Te Puia.
Rotorua city highlights drive, including Government Gardens, Whangapipiro Thermal Springs, and the Blue Baths.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Departure Information:
- Pickup Time: 6:30 AM
- Pick-up: Any location or hotel in Auckland
- Readiness: Arrive 10 minutes before departure
General Information:
- Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat.
- Children between 5-7 years old are also recommended to be in a booster seat for their safety.
- Licensed bar available at Te Puia, drinks available for purchase at an additional cost.
- Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.

WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions; warm layered clothes work best.
A comfortable closed toe footwear with a good grip.
Sunscreen / Sunglasses / Sun hat.
Please also bring a jersey or coat if it is cold.
Bring your camera/GoPro to click the best shots.
A light rain jacket (just in case).
Essential personal items.

TOUR REQUIREMENTS

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, and any essential personal items.
Suitable for people of all ages and Easy and good fitness level required.
You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
Please dress with an additional layer of clothing (in winter) & closed toe footwear.
Special dietary requirements catered for upon request, please advise at the time of booking.
Preferences and requests cannot be guaranteed.
Special requests are subject to availability.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

More than 60 days before departure: Full refund**
Between 30 days and 60 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee**
Less than 30 days before departure: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

*Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

Departing from Auckland, this full-day private tour takes you through the scenic coastal region of the Bay of Plenty en route to Rotorua—one of New Zealand’s most vibrant cultural and geothermal destinations. Along the way, enjoy striking landscapes, mountain views, photo stops, and sightings of classic New Zealand farmland and native bush. Travel through the picturesque Fitzgerald Glade before arriving in Rotorua, where you'll visit key city highlights including the historic Government Gardens, Blue Baths, Whangapipiro thermal springs, and the world-renowned Polynesian Spa.

Just five minutes from Rotorua city centre, Te Puia is a must-visit attraction that combines natural geothermal wonders with deep-rooted Māori heritage. From the moment you arrive, you'll be welcomed by local Māori guides and pass beneath Te Heketanga a Rangi—twelve towering carvings representing the ancestral Māori sky. Within the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, you’ll witness the power of Pōhutu Geyser, erupting up to 30 metres high multiple times a day. Walk among boiling mud pools and hot streams, still used today for traditional geothermal cooking.

Te Puia is also home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where you’ll see master carvers and weavers preserving traditional skills passed down through generations. An interactive weaving experience is included, allowing you to engage directly with this living culture.

A key highlight of the day is a traditional Māori hāngī buffet lunch, cooked using naturally heated geothermal steam and infused with indigenous flavours. Your visit concludes with a live Māori cultural performance—a captivating display of song, haka, and storytelling.

After a meaningful and enriching day, you'll return to Auckland carrying a deeper connection to Aotearoa’s people, history, and land.

Make a Booking Enquiry

BOOKING DETAILS:

Departure Date

Total No. of Adults

Please enter the Total # of Adults

Total No. of Children

Please enter the Total # of Children

Child Ages at time of travel

Please enter child ages at the time of travel

YOUR DETAILS:

First Name

Last Name

Contact Number

Email Address

Other Passengers

Please list the full name(s) of each passenger travelling with you.

TOUR QUESTIONS

Please specify if you wish to include any tour options or extra days & if you have any special requirements. e.g dietary, physical, medical; and (if available) advise accommodation in New Zealand, if known.

By submitting an enquiry you affirm that you have read and agree to our Booking Terms and Conditions.