Tuku Iho Guided Cultural Walk
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Experience the living traditions of the Maori people with the Tuku Iho Cultural Discovery at Te Puia in Rotorua. This small-group guided tour offers a genuine insight into Maori heritage, geothermal landscapes and traditional artistry within the Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley.
Over 2 hours and 45 minutes, your expert guide will lead you into areas of Te Puia not usually open to visitors. See how Maori ancestors used the valley’s natural heat for cooking and bathing, and taste sweetcorn cooked in a natural ngawha (boiling pool). Hear the famous legend of Hatupatu and Kurungaituku — a story of courage, love and survival passed down through generations.
You’ll visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre, the sacred Rotowhio marae and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, where carvers and weavers keep ancient skills alive. The tour ends with a powerful Maori cultural performance inside Te Aronui-a-Rua meeting house, featuring powhiri (welcome), waiata (song), poi and haka. Afterward, take time to explore more of the valley or relax at the onsite cafe.
Location
What you need to know
- 2 hour 45 minute guided tour
- Sweetcorn tasting from natural geothermal pool
- Access to restricted geothermal valley areas
- Visit to Kiwi Conservation Centre
- Entry to Rotowhio marae and Maori Arts and Crafts Institute
- Maori cultural performance in Te Aronui-a-Rua meeting house
- Allow 3 hours
- Departs at 10:15am and 1:30pm
- Departs from Hemo Road, Rotorua (approx 2.5km from central Rotorua)
- Operates daily all year
- Child rates apply (5–15 years)
- Infants are free of charge
- A moderate level of fitness is required for parts of the tour
- Comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing recommended
- Guests are welcome to remain after the tour to explore more
- Cafe and gift shop are available onsite
