Australia
Pōhutu Geyser, bubbling mud and a nocturnal kiwi, with a Māori guide.
A 90 minute guided walk through Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley in Rotorua: Pōhutu Geyser, mud pools, native bush, a kiwi in its nocturnal enclosure and the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.
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$79 AUD
per person
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Rotorua smells like sulphur and looks like another planet, and Te Rā is the guided way to see the best of it. Entry to Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley is by guided tour only, so this is the ticket: 90 minutes with a kaiārahi, a Māori guide, who walks you through the valley and passes on the stories, traditions and heritage of the people who have lived on this ground for centuries. You get the geology and the whakapapa in the same breath, which is the point.
The route runs past geysers, bubbling mud and native bush to Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Pōhutu erupts up to 20 times a day, and the operator is upfront that an eruption during your slot cannot be guaranteed, so stay near the viewing area while your guide talks. From there you visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre, where a kiwi lives in a specially designed nocturnal enclosure, and finish at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where students train in weaving and in wood, stone and bone carving and you can watch them work.
Tours leave from the valley entrance on Hemo Road, a few minutes from central Rotorua, with hourly departures through the day. Check in 15 minutes before your time. This is a guided tour only: transfers, food and drink are not included, so eat before or after. It runs rain or shine, the paths are wheelchair accessible and complimentary wheelchairs are on site, so the fitness bar is low. Bring a raincoat, because this is Rotorua.
Pōhutu Geyser, largest active geyser in Southern Hemisphere
Kaiārahi (Māori guide) for the full 90 minutes
Kiwi in a nocturnal enclosure, Kiwi Conservation Centre
Carving and weaving schools, Arts and Crafts Institute
Bubbling mud pools and native bush on the valley walk
Runs rain or shine, wheelchair accessible paths
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time and check in. Your kaiārahi gathers the group and sets the scene.
Walk past bubbling mud and native bush to the geyser terrace. Pōhutu erupts up to 20 times a day; your guide explains the geology and the history of the people who have lived here.
Step into the darkened nocturnal enclosure to see a kiwi going about its business. Sightings depend on the bird.
Watch students in the weaving and carving schools working wood, stone and bone, then the tour wraps up after about 90 minutes.
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Public reviews of the operator who runs this tour on the ground.
"Geysers, hot springs and boiling mudpools as you expect were all great but the bonuses are seeing kiwis and learing about Maori craftwork!"
Andrew F
Tripadvisor review
"I loved the whole experience! Our guide was very funny and knowledgeable, and we got the chance to talk to some of the artists at the Arts and Crafts Institute, which was amazing!"
Giulia
Tripadvisor review
"The performances were engaging and the whole experience felt authentic and memorable."
Belinda S
Tripadvisor review
Traveller reviews, source shown on each · shown as excerpts.
New Zealand
9 days · 8 nights
4.9 (575 · Trustpilot)
Auckland to Wellington
6 meals included
$1999 AUD
≈ $222/day
New Zealand
9 days · 8 nights
4.9 (575 · Trustpilot)
Christchurch to Queenstown
7 meals included
$1999 AUD
≈ $222/day
New Zealand
17 days · 16 nights
4.9 (575 · Trustpilot)
Auckland to Queenstown
13 meals included
$4399 AUD
≈ $259/day
From
$79
