A new Te Puia experience, Steambox, is giving visitors a taste of the past.

Since earliest settlement within Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, Maori people have cooked using the steam and hot water naturally available within the thermally active landscape. Steambox utilises a favourite Nga Wha (Steam vent) Puapua, which is located in the geothermal area that is backdrop to the famous Pohutu Gesyer. Manuhiri (visitors) choose what they want cooked for their lunch before heading off on a special guided tour of Te Puia | NZMACI.

This begins with an interactive session learning to weave a flower and a tour of the carving and weaving schools. Heading down into the geothermal valley, to the Kiwi house, mud pools and hot springs, the tour concludes when, after watching their lunch lifted from the Nga Wha, guests sit and enjoy a steam box picnic lunch on the geyser terrace.

Departs Daily: 11:00am until 1:30pm.