Discover Te Puia wheelchair accessible attractions, things to do, tours and activities for disabled travelers. Read our informative review to learn if the Te Puia Cultural Center and thermal valley in Rotorua NZ are wheelchair accessible and wheelchair friendly or if Wheelchair Jimmy recommends this attraction be avoided by travelers in wheelchairs.
Te Puia is New Zealand’s living Maori cultural centre, located just 5 minutes from central Rotorua. Situated in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, Te Puia’s 60 hectare site is home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, a live kiwi enclosure, the world-famous Pohutu Geyser, and more than 500 natural geothermal wonders.
With land steeped in ancestral history, and a guiding legacy that stretches back to the 1800s, Te Puia extends their unique hospitality and rich Māori cultural heritage to all visitors.
- City Attraction Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Fully Accessible Entry: Yes
- Accessible Restrooms Onsite: Yes: steep ramp into restroom
- Restrictive Steps: Mostly accessible; some steep paths
Jim’s Accessibility Comments:
Our Princess Cruise ship docked at Tauranga, New Zealand, and we planned to drive down to Rotorua to explore one of New Zealand’s top attractions: the geothermal reserves in Te Puia which is located about an hour directly south of Tauranga on the north island. Te Puia includes Volcanic geothermal reserves, the famous Pohutu Geyser and boiling mud pools together with just an excellent Maori Cultural Experience. This was a real travel highlight; sort of a smaller version of Yellowstone National Park plus we learned about the Maoris. We took a self guided tour although guided tours are available.
The Te Puia Center is very wheelchair accessible with good asphalt pathways, although some of the paths in Te Puia are somewhat steep – not dangerously steep but you may need assistance. There are really no steps here to be concerned about although there are some level, hard packed dirt paths. You will also find a large wheelchair accessible restroom albeit there’s a 3 foot rather steep ramp in front of restroom. So you may need someone to hold the door while you manage the steep ramp. There is also plenty of parking available including wheelchair accessible parking.
Accessible tour buses from Tauranga were not available, so you’re best bet may be to arrange your own transportation. We really wanted to experience Te Puia so we hired a car and driver for the day (we used Shore Trips and Tours). And wow, it was a great day and a wonderful learning experience. Volcanic geothermal reserves, Pohutu Geyser and boiling mud pools together with the excellent Maori Cultural Experience.
New Zealand Travel
