Te Puia – Rotorua New Zealand

Culture can be preserved. The Te Puia galleries in Rotorua, New Zealand are two large, predominantly multimedia galleries that introduce visitors to the landscape of Whakarewarewa geothermal valley and Te Arawa culture. They represent the latest convergence of digital and tactile interaction design for indigenous cultural tourism. These galleries engage visitors with Maori culture. They provide an immersive space with 3D game technology and large, tactile, multimedia interactives. The Te Puia galleries are a cross media application that preserves the history of the valley in a form that is engaging and accessible. They are It is designed to be a tool for guides rather than an independent experience, as the local Maori guiding economy is a crucial lifeblood for the region.