Te Puia
Te Puia, Rotorua: Hours, Address, Te Puia Reviews: 4.5/5
Te Puia
4.5
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Hot Springs & Geysers
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10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Te Puia spans 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley, on the edge of town. We are home to the world famous Pohutu geyser, to mud pools, hot springs, to silica formations to the Kiwi bird and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. We have shared these treasures with manuhiri (visitors) for 170 years and proudly continue that legacy today.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Learn moreTop ways to experience Te Puia
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
222 within 5 kms

Chapmans Restaurant
202
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Seafood • International • New Zealand

Mr Yakitori
93
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Barbecue • Asian
Wild Bean Cafe
1
0.5 km
The Chirpy Cafe
2
0.6 kmNew Zealand

Pavillion
34
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • New Zealand

Baked Rotorua
14
0.7 km$ • Bakeries • Cafe

Pepper's Cafe
25
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • European • Vegetarian Friendly

Matai Restaurant
26
0.9 km$$$$ • Contemporary • New Zealand • Vegetarian Friendly
D Bar
6
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • International
Stolen Bike Cafe
6
1 kmCafe
Attractions
43 within 10 kms

New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute
168
54 mArt Galleries

Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
2,693
0.6 kmHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Centennial Park
8
0.5 kmParks

Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest
5,149
2.9 kmForests

Fancy Meow Cat Cafe
495
3.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
348
3.2 kmVisitor Centres

St. Faith's Anglican Church
293
3.9 kmChurches & Cathedrals

Volcanic Hills Winery
609
Wineries & Vineyards

Eat Street
950
3.3 kmNeighbourhoods

Government Gardens
1,180
3.3 kmHistoric Sites • Gardens
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Popular mentions
4.5
5,687 reviews
Excellent
3,233
Very good
1,753
Average
510
Poor
134
Terrible
57
Stephan Stephan
Christchurch, New Zealand8 contributions
Jun 2022
Amazing indeed. Highly recommend the night tour as so informative along with spectacular veiwing. The three guides who were all cousins were amazing not only with their knowledge but humour. Very relaxing and was the highlight of our visit to Rotorua.
Written 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pauline D
Perth, Australia11 contributions
Jun 2022
A must do when in Rotorua. Such a fabulous cultural experience learning about the Maori people and their traditions. The Geo thermal landscape, including the spectacular geysers, was incredible! We did the free 2 hour guided tour led by Kahu who was so informative, friendly, funny and very passionate about his culture and country. I cannot recommend it enough.
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kia ora PaulinaMD,
We always love jumping online and reading such positive reviews from manuhiri like yourselves. Thank you for taking the time to tell everyone about your experience here at Te Puia. There is truly so much to see and do here - NZMACI really gives you an in-depth look into the next generation of our graduates- who aim to perpetuate and preserve the Māori Culture through its Art and Crafts. Our guides are so knowledgeable and like you have mentioned, always such a great laugh! Kahu has at times, even been compared to Hollywood Actor, the Rock- so loves to have a laugh with our manuhiri. Your recommendation is acknowledged through this message and the entire whānau here at Te Puia and NZMACI. Ngā mihi!
Written 27 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sally P
2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We spent about half a day here and would highly recommend it! It was a fantastic experience, where on our free guided tour, we were immersed in the Maori culture. Our guide was Kahu was amazing and very knowledgeable. If you want to learn about the Maori culture and the amazing work their doing at the Maori arts & crafts institute this is the place to visit! Last but certainly not least, don't forget to see the amazing geyser. A sight that won't be forgotten. Thank you all at Te Puia for the amazing experience.
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kia ora SallypP6509EC,
What a beautiful review! Thank you. We are so glad you had the time to jump onboard our Guided Tour and immerse yourself in the beauty of Te Puia and NZMACI for half of your day- there is so much to see and learn here onsite. Kahu has quite the fan base with our manuhiri- he's such a laugh and genuinely passionate about his mahi (work) within our whānau. Isn't Pōhutu Spectacular!! I sight we will never tire of. We hope to host you again one day in the future- or perhaps your friends and whānau. Ngā mihi.
Written 27 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jannine M
Brisbane, Australia13 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
The whole experience was amazing for an Australian. The guides were entertaining and the experience of the geothermal activity was impressive. Good to see skills being passed on to apprentices and a new generation of Maori youngsters.
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kia ora 307janninem,
We are so pleased you enjoyed your trip to Te Puia and NZMACI and can appreciate the work happening with our students and tutor's at NZMACI. To learn the Māori Arts and Crafts of generations before is something we all take pride in - isn't our Geothermal Valley magnificent!! Ngā mihi.
Written 27 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Joan T
Sentosa Island, Singapore51 contributions
Jun 2022
There is a free guided tour if you are able to catch their timing. Experienced an amazing guided tour by Kahu. An eye-opening experience to have been on location at Te Puai and understand the Maori culture and also the geothermal landscape of Rotorua
Written 15 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Abilash N
Singapore, Singapore8 contributions
Jun 2022
We had the pleasure of a wonderful Tour with Kahu. He is really passionate about his work and the stories he tells about the Maori Culture. Most importantly he has an amazing positive energy and humour that makes the whole experience more personal.
It was great to know of his time in Singapore and having been in the same military camp as me.
All in, we all really enjoyed the tour and was very fascinated by the rich history and culture of Maori people. Look forward to coming back again and having a hangi dinner!
It was great to know of his time in Singapore and having been in the same military camp as me.
All in, we all really enjoyed the tour and was very fascinated by the rich history and culture of Maori people. Look forward to coming back again and having a hangi dinner!
Written 4 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vladimir N
6 contributions
May 2022
Great place to visit. The staff -- the tour guide, the students, the tutors -- were great speakers and I learned a lot about the place itself and the Maori culture.
The highlight of the tour was the pudding bread cooked by the steam coming from the Earth core.
The highlight of the tour was the pudding bread cooked by the steam coming from the Earth core.
Written 30 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WRCRHP
Raetihi, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand52 contributions
May 2022
We loved our visit. We had the Sunday Brunch and it was so delicious!! Loved the jokes on the guided tour, and the informative signs around the place too. Really good to learn about the school. Even the kiwi in the kiwi house were really energetic, running around and calling to each other. Perfect way to spend a winters day with the family.
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robyn G
Raglan, New Zealand90 contributions
May 2022
The admission fee is expensive - $70. I am absolutely ok with Te Puia charging this much but on a personal level, it was a lot to spend and I don't feel like I got my money's worth. I missed out on the last guided tour of the day - and I feel like this would have enhanced my visit. Otherwise, I had a pleasant stroll around Te Puia. The two highlights were the kiwi house and I was lucky enough that a kiwi was scratching around in the dirt just in front of me! The Pōhutu geyser was also impressive and spurted up just as I was passing by. There weren't many other people around, which I feel is just a symptom of this pandemic era, but it gave the place a ghostly feel. I would definitely recommend it to overseas visitors, but perhaps it is a little out of reach for NZers who haven't got loads of cash.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
reneexl
Invercargill, New Zealand63 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Loved this very informative with a guide. It was amazing learning the history of Māori right down to carving and weaving, the work that goes into it all was unreal! The geysers were cool to look at and lying on the heated rock was something different! We finished off our tour with steamed pudding. Would come and do again.
Written 9 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ashlea M
Wollongong, Australia6 contributions
Hi there,
I see Te Puia is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Is this all year round? We are looking to visit in mid April 2022 and my itinerary looks like we will be there on Monday and Tuesday.
TePuia
Rotorua, New Zealand
Kia ora Ashlea,
Thank you for question - apologies for the delayed response. Short answer is... we will be 5-days a week until the end of this calendar year, but will be constantly reviewing demand levels for next year. Once we make a decision, we will post that on our website and I have also made a note to follow up to you directly as well.
We look forward to your visit to Aotearoa and Te Puia !
Nga mihi,
Sean
sonshine-lover
Lansing, MI144 contributions
We will be driving a rented car to Te Puia from the port (cruise ship stop). Is parking easy at Te Puia?
TePuia
Rotorua, New Zealand
Kia ora sonshine-lover
We have plenty of parking here at Te Puia! We have two car parking areas; if you can't get into the first one you will be re-directed to our southern car park which is only a 5minute walk from our park. We look forward to hosting you!
Nga Mihi
Te Puia Whanau
sonshine-lover
Lansing, MI144 contributions
My husband and I want to rent a car from the port at Tauranga and drive to Te Puia on Nov. 5th, 2019. Would it be crazy to try and drive to Hobbiton movie set from there and then back to the port? The ship docks at 8am and leaves at 7pm. And do we need reservations to get into either of these places before we go?
TePuia
Rotorua, New Zealand
Kia ora sonshine-lover,
You will need to set aside at least 3-4hours for driving, between each place. It would pay to book into Hobbiton as they can get booked out quite quickly - you can come to Te Puia at anytime from 8pm - 6pm (summer hours). Guided tours occur every hour; cultural shows which you need to book into are: 10:15am, 12:15pm and 3:15pm. Hope this helps with your travel plans, feel free to visit our website should you require any further information.
Nga Mihi
Te Puia Whanau
Kendoarts
Singapore, Singapore59 contributions
Can I ask if there is an entrance fee to visit Te Puia? When I visit the website, I only see the day tour and evening tour. I am thinking of visiting there and doing free and easy with my wife and 2 kids. Just to see the Geysers and Kiwi Birds.
TePuia
Rotorua, New Zealand
Kia ora Kendoarts,
Yes there is an entrance fee and if you book online you receive a 10% discount! All entrance fees include a guided tour - those occur on the hour every hour during opening hours. You are welcome to take any one of those during your visit. We are known as the one stop shop incorporating Geothermal, Maori culture, Kiwi birds and traditional art form
Please feel free to email us through our website if you would like to know anything further, we look forward to hosting you and your whanau (family)
Nga Mihi
Te Puia Whanau
abibay
PAsig City81 contributions
hello! where do we go to avail of the free local guide service? thank you
LouiseM
Perth, Australia6 contributions
It’s close to the entrance, but the people at the ticket office can tell you exactly where to wait. There is also a brochure with map available on their website that you can download and it’s available in multiple languages.
CazP100
Horndean139 contributions
We’re visiting New Zealand soon, and just booking up p.aces to visit, at the moment weighing up best places to visit in Rotorua, we’ve only got a day and a half
KwAussie Couple
Australia393 contributions
We enjoyed this venue as it gave a great insight into local culture and also to see the geothermals.
AP_2017_Mumbai
Mumbai, India20 contributions
Hi,
We plan to visit a Geothermal hot geyser park near Rotorua in Jan 2018.
Could someone let us know which one to visit and differences between Te Puia and Wai-o-Tapu and Hell's Gate geothermal parks?
How is one better than the other in comparison?
Yr reply post is appreciated.
RouteburnTales
New York City, NY17 contributions
Hi
Of those three I would visit Wai-o-Tapu. It is the most diverse and beautiful. Hells Gate is large and interesting but not, for me, as striking. Lots to see but fewer really impressive features.
Te Puia is the least impressive. It’s conveniently located and the geyser is fun to watch but it’s more limited than the other areas.
If you have a little more time I would recommend Orakei Korako over all three options. It is stunning and the most complete of all the geothermal areas. It’s setting across a small lake is breathtakingly beautiful.
78Kathy
Uk9 contributions
Hi! I wanted to book the Te Ra + Te Po experience on your website but it appears that the 9th of November is fully booked.. however when I visit third party websites (such as Rotorua super passes), they allow me to purchase a ticket without specifying a date / time! The Rotorua super passes website states that we can just show the booking confirmation at the counter. I am wondering since it appears that the experience is fully booked on your website on 9th Nov, will I still be allowed to join the experience on 9th Nov with the super pass?
cather75
Ipoh, Malaysia12 contributions
hi. kathy sorry tat reply u after ur date. coz i just loged in to check, anyhow wish u have a nice trip there.
Frequently Asked Questions about Te Puia
- Te Puia is open:
- Sun - Sun 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Wed - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Te Puia tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 59 Te Puia tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Te Puia:
- Rotorua Sightseeing Tour - Discover Rotorua's top sights in 1.5 hours (From $54.85)
- Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland (From $358.86)
- Te Puia - Geothermal 6 Hour Guided Tour with Highlights: Shore ExcursionTauranga (From $143.96)
- Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip in Luxury Minibus from Auckland (From $513.10)
- Mt Tarawera Volcanic Guided Hike Experience (From $190.23)
- Hotels near Te Puia:
- (1.10 km) The Springs Luxury Bed and Breakfast
- (0.95 km) Regal Palms Resort
- (0.69 km) Holiday Inn Rotorua, An IHG Hotel
- (0.45 km) Pohutu Lodge Motel
- (1.35 km) Kings On Peace
- Restaurants near Te Puia:
- (1.77 km) Ciabatta Cafe and Bakery
- (0.64 km) Chapmans Restaurant
- (0.51 km) Wild Bean Cafe
- (0.67 km) Mr Yakitori
- (0.56 km) The Chirpy Cafe