After exploring Rotorua and the thermal areas, we joined an afternoon tour group heading to Te Puia. Once again, this involved a van ride out of town. I hoped this would be our Maori experience. Yay, it was, and so much more!
Geysers
After a short time in a fabulous gift shop, we joined our guide for the walk through the forest to the geysers.
![](https://photos.smugmug.com/Portfolio/NZ-2024/Te-Puia/i-r7jVFnm/0/Kk5xRD6bm7FXpKcKfstCPFhKSWqNsqNSvRmNfLGhH/X2/2403_17_ThermalPark_057-X2.jpg)
In the distance, on the left, you can see the main building of Te Puia. That’s where the gift shop is! The entire Rotorua area is volcanic, part of a band that stretches from Ruapehu to White Island.
Maori Village and Museum
Around 5:00 in the afternoon, we headed back up the hill to visit the National Wood Carving School. This school specializes in Maori arts of all kinds.
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We saw several examples of native carving, such as these:
![](https://photos.smugmug.com/Portfolio/NZ-2024/Te-Puia/i-rrSj34W/0/KpJ3nBhpGP25tkfb89XV3hPKmF6X7gZVn4WLCBLZW/X2/2403_17_CarvingSchool_002-Edit-X2.jpg)
This school is a fabulous place where young Maori can learn about the traditional arts. It also teaches textile crafts, such as the making of reed skirts.
![](https://photos.smugmug.com/Portfolio/NZ-2024/Te-Puia/i-rjQkfVb/0/KtBXhHtqd398jvjNSccFFNS3nwdp9R2jx5NXrxBkC/X2/2403_17_untitled_057-X2.jpg)
Oh, for the record, one can buy lovey carved pieces in the gift shop. I warn you, some can be very expensive!
Hangi
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Of course, no Maori experience is of consequence if I don’t get pavlova. We had a lovely buffet meal as our hangi dinner. This meringue dessert is fabulous!
At night
We ended our Te Puia adventure with a second visit after dark. The geysers are gorgeous.
![](https://photos.smugmug.com/Portfolio/NZ-2024/Te-Puia/i-8rcXBQ9/0/NgSpWcVmq4nLshp6tZZk97GsJ2d5dW27T8SPPzGzg/X2/2403_17_TePuiaEvening_007-Edit-X2.jpg)
To see more Te Puia images, please click here.
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