Te Puia: Te Pō Combo with Guided Tour, Cultural Performance & Hangi Buffet Dinner

Te Pō combo: A night of culture, cuisine & connection

Immerse yourself in the traditions of Māori culture at Te Puia with an unforgettable evening of heritage, geothermal wonders, and delicious cuisine. Your journey begins with check-in around 3:45pm, followed by a guided Te Rā Tour at 4pm through Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Here, you'll witness the mighty Pōhutu Geyser, bubbling mud pools, and steaming craters, and visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre to see New Zealand’s iconic bird. You'll also explore the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where expert carvers and weavers keep ancestral skills alive.

A taste of tradition

At 5:30pm, sit down to a lavish buffet feast at Pātaka Kai Restaurant & Bar, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, succulent seafood, and hāngī-style slow-cooked meats and vegetables—all set against the dramatic geothermal landscape. As evening sets in, head to Te Aronui a Rua at 7pm for an immersive cultural performance, where you'll experience the pōhiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (chant), poi, and haka. The evening ends on a magical note at 7:40pm, sipping hot chocolate by the geyser, before the experience concludes at approximately 8:15pm.

Te Puia: Te Pō Combo with Guided Tour, Cultural Performance & Hangi Buffet Dinner

Discover the mesmerizing geothermal landscape of Te Puia in Rotorua on this comprehensive sightseeing tour that includes a guided exploration through the vibrant Te Whakarewarewa Valley, cultural performances at the historic Te Pō venue, and an authentic hangi buffet dinner. The tour covers key landmarks such as the erupting Pohutu Geyser, bubbling mud pools, and the Arts and Crafts Institute where expert carvers and weavers continue age-old traditions. With a duration of approximately 4 hours, this guided experience offers audio commentary in English and Māori languages, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. The tour also includes access to the geothermal valley with its stunning natural features, providing an immersive cultural journey through Rotorua's unique heritage.

Explore Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley

Your tour stops at the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley where you can witness the dramatic landscape and bubbling mud pools. Established in 1862, this valley covers an area of approximately 50 acres and is home to over 40 geysers and hot springs. Key features include the Pohutu Geyser, which erupts up to 30 meters high every hour, and the iconic Te Puia Spa Pool. Visitors can spend around 2 hours exploring this unique area, learning about its geological significance and cultural importance through guided tours conducted by knowledgeable local guides. What makes Te Whakarewarewa special is its active geothermal activity, which sets it apart from other similar sites in New Zealand.

Discover the Arts and Crafts Institute

At the Arts and Crafts Institute, guests can observe expert carvers and weavers continuing age-old Māori traditions. Established in 1972, this institute spans an area of about 500 square meters and houses workshops dedicated to various crafts such as woodcarving, weaving, and tattooing. Visitors spend approximately 30 minutes here, watching skilled artisans at work and learning the significance of these traditional practices within Māori culture. The institute's commitment to preserving cultural heritage makes it a unique destination for those interested in understanding the depth of Māori craftsmanship.

Experience Te Pō Cultural Performance

Your tour includes an evening performance at the historic Te Pō venue, where you can witness captivating traditional dances and storytelling. This 1-hour show takes place in a specially designed auditorium that seats up to 200 people and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Rotorua through vibrant performances by local Māori artists. The venue was established in 2008 as part of Te Puia's efforts to promote and preserve Māori culture. Visitors spend around 1 hour here, enjoying a blend of music, dance, and storytelling that provides insight into the spiritual and cultural aspects of Māori life.

Tour Highlights

• Geothermal tour at Te Whakarewarewa Valley
• Hangi meal cooked using natural geothermal heat
• Audio commentary in English and Māori languages
• Cultural performance at Te Pō venue with storytelling
• Guided exploration of the erupting Pohutu Geyser
• Access to Arts and Crafts Institute for traditional crafts
• Authentic flavors of Maori cuisine at Hangi buffet dinner
• Immersive experience of Māori culture through guided tours

Perfect for travelers, history enthusiasts, and food lovers, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive cultural journey through Rotorua's unique heritage. The 4-hour format allows you to explore Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, witness traditional dances at the historic Te Pō venue, and savor authentic Maori cuisine during a hangi buffet dinner, giving you a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s rich cultural tapestry while enjoying its natural wonders.