Hot Glass Tumbler Workshop by Amokura Glass in Rotorua
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45 minutes
Fitness Level
Participants should be able to stand and move independently for short periods.
Overview
Step into the heat of the hot shop in Rotorua and craft your own glass tumbler in this unique 45-minute workshop from Amokura Glass. Learn the art of glass-blowing hands-on and take home a vibrant, functional souvenir.
TUMBLER WORKSHOP
Ages 14+ • hot glass experience • 45 minutes • make your own work of glass art in our studio!
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About This Adventure
Make something beautiful and functional today - A one-of-a-kind tumbler!
Duration
45 Minutes
About
Ever wondered how a drinking glass is made by hand?
Our most complex glass-blowing experience. In the tumbler workshop, you will blow a bubble of hot glass, shape the bottom and side walls, and finally, open out the mouth of the cup. Choose from twelve colour options and three styles. Make something beautiful and functional today! In this introductory workshop, you will get to blow and shape glass into your own functional tumbler.
This 45-minute workshop starts with an explanation of the tools and equipment we use in the hot shop, then, in about 25 minutes, you will work one-on-one with our glass artist instructor to make a tumbler that you can take home and use.
Hot shop experiences (paperweight, tumbler and pumpkin workshops) are taught one-on-one. This means one person per time slot.
Note: Hot glass needs 16 hours to cool down safely. Your piece will be available to collect from the following day or can be posted to you.
Requirements
Must be 14+ years old.
Must be in good physical health and able to move about independently, hear and see well.
Must book at least a day in advance.
What to bring
- Must wear close-toed shoes, long pants, and a shirt made of natural fibres such as cotton, wool, or linen during the lesson.
Adventure Tips
Wear Natural Fiber Clothing
Natural fibers like cotton or wool provide protection from heat during the glass-blowing process.
Book at Least a Day in Advance
Slots are limited due to the one-on-one instruction format, so secure your spot early.
Arrive with Closed-Toe Shoes
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for safety in the hot glass studio environment.
Allow 16 Hours for Cooling
Your glass tumbler must cool for 16 hours before it’s safe to handle or take home.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Tui birds
- New Zealand fantail
History
Rotorua is a center for Māori culture and history and was established as a tourist destination in the late 19th century around its hot springs.
Conservation
Amokura Glass emphasizes sustainable practices by careful use of energy and minimizing waste in their hot shop operations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rotorua
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-Toed Shoes
Protects feet in the studio around hot equipment.
Long Pants
Helps shield your legs from heat during the workshop.
Natural Fiber Shirt
Wear cotton, wool, or linen to reduce heat risk when handling hot glass.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially during Rotorua’s warmer months.
summer specific