Rotorua's Essential 50: Day 34 - Te Puia

Tourists view the Pohutu geyser at Te Puia. Photo/File

When overseas and domestic tourists come to Rotorua - two of the big drawcards are geothermal activity and Maori culture.

Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Craft Institute ticks both boxes, plus more, making it one of Rotorua's essential must-dos.

After last year celebrating its 50th birthday, Te Puia in Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley is truly an iconic tourist destination.

The guardians of Maori arts, crafts and culture, Te Puia is also home to the national schools of carving and weaving.

The famous 30m high Pohutu geyser erupts up to 20 times a day and is the highlight of the geothermal valley. There's also Maori cultural performances, hangi and the "steambox" experience where visitors cook their own lunch in a steam vent.

But it's not just for the tourists - locals love Te Puia too and this year Rotorua residents can get Whanau Cards free.

Despite reaching the half century, Te Puia constantly adds new features and keeps up with the times - it has free Wi-Fi across the entire site and there's even an app "STQRY" that helps enhance the experience.