Best Whakarewarewa Thermal Tour

Hi all,

Wondering which of the two companies provides access to the best thermal sites – Te Puia or The Living Māori Village? They both list Pohutu, but do they differ in access to it, or in other geothermal features? Or are they identical routes, minus the entry/exit points?

This won't be our only geothermal stop in the region, but I want to ensure that I make the most of my visit to this particular thermal reserve. We also already have a hangi and several other Māori experiences booked elsewhere (also kiwis, since I know Te Puia also includes those), so I'm weighting those aspects of the two companies as somewhat less important in the grand scheme, but if they're identical geothermically then I'm open to comparisons of their cultural features. I like the idea of the Te Puia crafting demonstrations, but The Living Māori Village has a unique cooking style I wouldn't mind sampling, plus seeing real Māori life has its appeal.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance!