Te Puia, Rotorua

Gene, our guide was fantastic. Explained things well, had interesting stories, and always made time for questions. It's a gentle hour and a half tour. About 20 minutes are waiting and watching for the geyser to erupt. The first part you take a tram down to the Kiwi bird sanctuary. Not sure why as it isn't far and we walked back. The tour is a nice mix of local culture, with the Kiwi birds, geyser and nature, and the Maori marae, and the three craft schools. You walk most of the tour, but it is mostly flat. Would definitely recommend. You can walk around for free (I think) if you don't want a guide. There are maps at the front you can get. The gift shop was a bit disappointing. It was either really nice, expensive pieces from the craft schools or really cheap junk that was mass produced.

Great experience to all ages! If you haven't seen a kiwi bird yet, visit the kiwi conservation. 3 birds were in cage and the young one would be set free once the bird reach to its maturity and can live independently outside. While the other 2 were expected to mate. Best to go with a guided tour so you get more information plus the yummy volcano cake shouldn't be missed at the end of your tour😊