Te Puia

The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (Te Puia) was set up under an Act of Parliament in 1963 to perpetuate Maori art, craft and culture, and remains 100% Government owned . For the last forty eight years Te Puia has been the guardian of tribal carving styles and applied this knowledge to nurturing and training hundreds of Maori artists in carving, weaving and other art forms.
Set in the globally unique geothermal landscape of Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal valley, Te Puia has built on more than a century of the guiding legacy of such world renowned hosts as Guides Rangi, Maggie Papakura and Bubbles Mihinui to become New Zealand’s most iconic visitor attraction.
Visitors have the opportunity to engage in a range of experiences including interpretive galleries with state of the art interactive media, and awe inspiring spaces rich in history and stories. Visitors also have the chance to come face to face with New Zealand’s most well-known bird, the kiwi.

Join us in a celebration of our culture through customary song and dance of the Maori people which tells stories of the past and describe the intimate link between the land, nature and legend.

Local Maori guides will be proud to share with you the beauty and history of Te Whakarewarewa thermal valley. Exploding from the ground up to 30 meters high is the world famous Pohutu Geyser, an awesome display of mother nature's power.

The Institute also provides exhibitions and demonstrations by qualified artists in their respective fields. When you enter the Institute, you'll sense you're in a special, blessed place and you'll never forget the knowledge, history and experiences you're about to learn.