Geothermal Valley Te Puia

Interesting day out
Mar 27th, 2023

Nice place to watch some geysers, and to learn more about kiwi birds. Youre required to have a guided tour when visiting this place so we booked a 9am tour the night before ($75/adult). The tour itself was informative. The sights were great. But just a few things that can be improved on. 1) There was a heavy drizzle during the tour. We had jackets with hoods but it would be more pleasant if the place provided umbrellas (like during our Hobbiton Tour) as some parts required us walking outdoors. 2) The guide was speaking softly at the start so we struggled to hear her above the rain. 3) We visited an area that displayed clothing and fibres. Again, the guide spoke softly so only those directly in front would have heard her. The people who were working there spoke louder than her and that drowned out her words at times. 4) We were not told at the start of the tour that we would be allowed to walk around after (or maybe the guide mentioned it and we just couldnt hear her) so we felt rushed to read and look at the displays. We even lingered a little to see as much as possible before we were rushed to the next location. We felt reassured at the end when the guide ended the tour by telling us we could now walk around freely. Would have been nice to be told this at the start so wed relax. 5) The kiwi bird viewing was amazing. Crowd control could have been managed better. We were told to go in single file, which is what we did, but a few of is were left outside the display area and could barely hear her. So while others stood and watched the kiwi birds and listened to the guide, we were left standing, staring at peoples backs, and struggling to hear some words. We resorted to breaking that single file and standing behind others to look through the glass. Good thing we did because the moment the guide ended her dialogue, she brought everyone to the exit without time for the people at the back to linger and watch the kiwi birds. 6) Lastly, the guide spoke some farewell phrases rapidly in Mori that sounded more like a recital. Speaking slower with more gravity might have made a better impression. Still left a 4-star review as the place itself is amazing. Just a better organised tour would be good.
May 4th, 2023

Apr 29th, 2023

(Translated by Google) Despite the fact that the most important geyser comes out every 45 minutes, and the visit lasts 2 hours, the visit has not been properly planned and we have not been able to see it. Then we have asked to come closer and they have not let us, a shame... (Original) Pese a que el giser ms importante sale cada 45 minutos, y la visita dura 2horas, la visita no ha estado planificada correctamente y no hemos podido verlo. Luego hemos pedido acercarnos y no nos han dejado, una vergenza...
Apr 12th, 2023

Apr 12th, 2023