A new night-time experience called Mārama – the Geyser Night Trail is lighting up the famous geothermal valley of Te Puia. The trail, filled with swirling steam and glowing lights, will run until 18 April 2026, giving visitors a magical way to explore the valley after dark.
Guided by the voice of singer Maisey Rika, the trail features laser lights, carved sculptures, and illuminated artworks. The experience is designed to highlight the stories, nature, and culture of the area, especially its strong Māori heritage.
Project manager Reanne Poutama said the trail brings the valley “from the depths of darkness into the world of light.” The word Mārama means light, moon, and also understanding, she explained.
There are 10 different scenes along the trail. One of them shows the breath of the famous Pōhutu Geyser using lights, while others display carvings made by students and master carvers from the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.
Maisey Rika’s music plays throughout the trail and she performed two live songs at the launch. “It feels like a homecoming,” she said, sharing how the project helped her reconnect with her Te Arawa and Tūhourangi roots.
Te Puia’s chief executive, Tim Cossar, said the experience focuses on celebrating Māori culture and the natural world.
Visitors like Julie White described it as a “spiritual moment,” while 8-year-old Henry Phillips was excited about the glowing mushrooms, bees, and the laser-lit geyser.
The trail runs Wednesday to Sunday from 7:30pm, and it takes about 90 minutes to complete. There are also tasty treats like hot chocolate, waffles, and brownies available along the way.
Mārama will return in a new form for its second season starting from Matariki 2026.
