16 Jul 2008

Top rating for top Maori tourist attraction

9:19 am on 16 July 2008

One of Maoridom's top tourist attractions has been recognised by the New Zealand Property Council.

The redevelopment of Te Puia - the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and the Whakarewarewa Thermal reserve - has been judged top in the council's tourism and leisure property category.

Chief executive Connal Townsend says the architectural refit of the Rotorua attraction kept faith with the original Maori design elements.

Waatea News reports the Rotorua attraction has hosted tourists for more than 135 years.