Rotorua Lights Up with New Geyser Night Trail Experience

A new artistic venture in Rotorua, New Zealand, is transforming the geothermal valley of Te Puia into a stunning spectacle of light and sound. The Mārama – Geyser Night Trail officially opened, inviting visitors to experience the natural beauty of Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley illuminated by lasers and accompanied by the music of renowned singer Maisey Rika. This immersive attraction will run until April 18, 2026, and will be refreshed and relaunched for a second season from Matariki 2026.

The project aims to enhance nighttime options for visitors, also known as manuhiri, exploring Rotorua. Reanne Poutama, project manager for Mārama, described the experience as a journey from darkness into light, revealing the valley’s rich landscapes and stories. “Mārama has many layers of meaning,” she explained, adding that it encompasses concepts of white light, the moon, understanding, and clarity.

The trail features ten unique scene locations, including an illuminated sculpture capturing the essence of the Pōhutu geyser, light boxes crafted by students from the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and intricate wood carvings by master carver Albert Poai Te Pou. The integration of Rika’s music serves as the auditory landscape guiding visitors through this captivating experience.

On launch night, Rika performed two live sets with the magnificent Pōhutu Geyser and the full moon serving as the backdrop. Reflecting on her participation, she expressed her gratitude: “I am so grateful that the tono (request) came… It’s really a coming home – ki te ūkaipō.” Rika’s connection to the area is personal, as her family has deep roots in Whakarewarewa, making this project particularly meaningful for her.

Te Puia’s chief executive, Tim Cossar, emphasized the organization’s commitment to promoting Māori culture as the core of the Mārama experience. “Our connection to te taiao (the environment) and our landscape is what makes this experience unique,” he stated. This dedication to cultural authenticity adds depth to the light trail, enriching the visitor experience.

Feedback from the inaugural visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. First-time attendee Julie White described her experience as “beautiful and powerful,” noting that witnessing the valley in this illuminated state felt like a spiritual moment. Young visitor Henry Phillips, aged eight, was equally impressed, sharing, “The lights were cool on the river and steam – I even spotted glowing mushrooms and bees.”

Additionally, the Mārama experience is complemented by a variety of food and drink offerings, including mulled wine, hot chocolates, and sweet treats like cookies and cheesecakes. According to Poutama, visitors should plan for approximately 90 minutes to fully enjoy this enchanting trail, which operates from Wednesday to Sunday, with gates opening at 19:30.

As Rotorua continues to innovate in its tourism offerings, the Mārama – Geyser Night Trail represents a significant step toward blending cultural heritage with modern entertainment, inviting visitors to engage with the beauty and stories of this unique landscape.