Elite-Cultural Afternoon Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Māori culture, traditions, and history—both ancient and contemporary—with a guided afternoon experience in Rotorua. This intimate afternoon tour is limited to a group of no more than 15 people, ensuring a personalised and high-quality visit.

At the Te Puia Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, you will be guided potentially within a larger group by Te Puia tangata whenua (people of the land) and picked up by Elite Adventures guide at the completion of your 90-minute cultural tour.

Te Puia: Cultural & Geothermal Immersion

Elite Adventures guides will pick you up from your accommodation, lunch or local sites prior or post your tour at Te Puia, Rotorua’s premier cultural centre, where the power of the land and the spirit of the people are intricately entwined. Your Te Puia guide will lead you through this significant site, offering profound insights into Māori customs and protocols (tikanga and kawa).

Highlights of your guided tour include:

• New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI): Witness the preservation of cultural treasures with visits to the National Wood Carving School, the Weaving Display, and the Āhua Art and Craft Gallery.
• Rotowhio Marae: Learn the deep historical and communal importance of the marae (meeting grounds) and its associated protocols (kawa).
• Geothermal Valley: Experience the raw power of nature, culminating in a viewing of the magnificent Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Kiwi Conservation Centre: Gain a deeper understanding of Māori conservation values (kaitiakitanga) through a visit to the dedicated kiwi house.

Tailored Scenic Exploration

Time pending, before or following your visit to Te Puia, we continue with a scenic journey tailored to your interests as our manuhiri (guests). This segment explores local sites of interest, providing further context on Rotorua’s volcanic landscape and its foundational Māori history and living cultural life.