Set against the geothermal wonders of Rotorua in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, Amokura Glass offers a distinctly hands-on adventure that blends fiery creativity with skilled craftsmanship. The Pumpkin Workshop invites participants aged 14 and up to step into a compact hot-glass studio where molten glass transforms beneath the guidance of an expert instructor.
In just 45 minutes, you’re introduced to the tools and techniques that have shaped glass artistry for centuries, then invited to choose your own vibrant colors—from traditional orange and green to striking reds, purples, and blues. Here, the glowing molten glass becomes more than molten silica; it turns into a radiant glass pumpkin with detailed ridges and a whimsical curly stem. Each pumpkin captures light uniquely, creating a piece that brightens any space with its fiery hues.
This intimate experience runs one-on-one, ensuring personalized attention and a direct connection with the craft. After sculpting, your pumpkin cools safely over 16 hours before collection or shipping, meaning your masterpiece is ready the next day, letting you savor the memory beyond the studio walls.
Rotorua itself is a natural playground of bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and rare native flora, making Amokura Glass a creative complement to your outdoor pursuits here. It’s a place where heat shapes both earth and art, offering a rare indoor adventure perfectly suited to this geothermal hotspot. Whether you’re a traveler seeking a tactile souvenir or a local looking for a unique craft, the Pumpkin Workshop at Amokura Glass is an unforgettable way to engage with Rotorua’s fiery spirit.
Perfectly combining artistry, heat, and culture, this workshop captures a creative spark in one of New Zealand’s most geologically intriguing locations.