Vishal Sharma
Rotorua, March 14, 2023
Visit the lands of the Living Maori Village
Our new guided Geothermal Eco Tour provides exclusive access to an untouched geothermal landscape, where our expert guide will interpret the land, plants, animals, and nature of this rare environment.
The tour brings together a Mātauranga Māori kaupapa (Māori knowledge framework) with modern science, to share knowledge spanning earth sciences, ecology, biodiversity, health, environment, and climate change.
The trail is guided by an expert in ecological and environmental management.
Our local guides draw on hundreds of years of indigenous knowledge, combined with contemporary Māori research, and western scientific knowledge. They share historical and contemporary understandings of this special environment, the forces that have shaped the whenua (land) and the features, plants and animals that inhabit the land today.
Environmental Programmes
Our guides will also introduce you to Whakarewarewa’s Environmental Programmes, including our Eco Warrior Programme for school students, and the work we are undertaking to preserve, use and enhance the whenua (land) for today and future generations.
These fully guided walks take approximately 45 to 60 minutes and are suitable for people with an average level of fitness. These trails combine views of native ferns, edible plants and glimpses of our unique geothermal landscape, including colourful steaming lakes and thermal pools that can be viewed only at Whakarewarewa.
The Geothermal Trails that you will cross are part of an ongoing reserve development as new areas are opened in a sustainable redevelopment.
Te Reo Māori Option: This tour can be booked in Te Reo Māori for groups of four or more, times may change. Please enquire by email bookings@whakarewaewa.com about a Maori cultural performance.
We have a Māori Cultural Performance at 11.15 am daily, with an additional performance on the day’s cruise ships dock at the Port of Tauranga. Timing for the Guided Geothermal Trail allows for the cultural performance to be included as a package.
Following your guided Eco Tour, apply your new eco knowledge with a self-guided trail around the extensive geothermal areas of Whakarewarewa. Just add this to your cart when booking.
The Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao village people have a proud history of sharing their knowledge, stories, song and dance spanning over a century. We welcome you to our whenua.
Whakarewarewa General Manager Tanya Robson at the Maori Village (Photo Supplied)
Useful information
This is Rotorua’s only guided geothermal Eco Walking tour. Eco Tours are available on Tuesday and Thursday at 930 am. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier.
Entry at 17 Tryon Street, Rotorua. Phone: (07) 3493463.
Cancellation: 100% guarantee to refund your booking, less any transaction fee.
Safety: Your guided Geothermal Trail is suitable for beginners and experienced walkers.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. It often rains in Rotorua, so having wet weather gear is a good plan.
Caution: Follow the instructions of your Guide and keep to the signed Trails at all times.
Vishal Sharma is Marketing Facilitator at Whakarewarewa, The Living Maori Village. An arts and cultural tourism advocate, he was earlier Sector Marketing Head for the Indian and Asian Markets. He lives in Rotorua.
