I was lucky enough to get to experience the Te Po Evening Experience including Marama Lights on my recent one-night stopover in Rotorua.

The beautiful Whare Nui took 20 years to build, and the Master Carver Honi (John) unfortunately died 1 year before completion.  He is the only photo hanging in this Whare Nui for this reason out of respect.

I really enjoyed this for a number of reasons.  The staff were very professional and knowledgeable in how they presented and explained throughout the whole experience.  The meal was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented.  Very plentiful & I feel they have covered everything with a massive selection of hot & cold vegetables, seafood, proteins & deserts.  Right down to Matcha and Kawakawa infused soft serve!

I did feel it was better suited to couples or groups for the meal unless you are fine sitting alone at a table. 

The Cultural performance was great with a mix of history, song, dance and performance.

A percentage of all the money that goes through Te Puia goes to the onsite school so that students are fully funded and have all the tools and equipment needed throughout their education.

The Marama Lights is a fun way to bring the geothermal village to life after dark and the kids love it.  Great little add on for after dinner to take a wander and have a hot chocolate while you wait for the geyser to go off!  Approximately every hour give or take.  This is a natural geyser so no button to push to set her off unfortunately!

I really feel that now I have experienced both Te Pa Tu and Te Puia that they are quite different experiences and guests could quiet easily do both if they were so inclined.