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Spend a weekend mastering the elemental art of glassblowing in Rotorua. Amokura Glass’s hands-on workshop offers an immersive, two-day introduction that combines creativity, skill-building, and the thrill of working with molten glass.
Spend a weekend mastering the elemental art of glassblowing in Rotorua. Amokura Glass’s hands-on workshop offers an immersive, two-day introduction that combines creativity, skill-building, and the thrill of working with molten glass.
Book with Amokura Glass
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Operated by Amokura Glass · Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Set in Rotorua, in New Zealand’s geothermal heartland, Amokura Glass offers a unique two-day weekend workshop that plunges you into the intense craft of glassblowing. Far removed from the usual outdoor pursuits, this hands-on experience brings magic to molten glass, transforming it under your hands into vivid, functional art. Over 12 focused hours split between Saturday and Sunday afternoons, small groups (max four) receive personalized guidance from skilled instructors who demystify the furnace’s fiery heat and teach techniques to gather, shape, and color hot glass.
Rotorua’s landscape, etched with bubbling mud pools and steaming vents, complements this workshop’s elemental connection to fire and earth. The region’s Māori heritage enriches the story behind glass artistry here, a modern craft set against a backdrop of deep cultural traditions of working with natural materials.
This workshop isn’t just art class; it’s a physical, immersive dive requiring dexterity, focus, and respect for the furnace’s intensity. Participants start by gathering molten glass and shaping it through traditional methods, progressing to blowing bubbles and forming tumblers—the kind of vessels you’ll walk away proud to showcase. By the end, each attendee has created five distinct pieces: paperweights, tumblers, and a small ornament. The intimate class size ensures plenty of hands-on time, making it a rare chance to learn this demanding skill in an accommodating setting.
Amokura Glass’s workshop stands out in the Rotorua area for blending creativity with a tangible connection to the local environment’s fiery character. It’s perfect for those seeking a weekend that balances adventure with craft, inviting visitors to engage actively with one of New Zealand’s most captivating locations beyond hiking or biking trails. Whether you’re local or traveling, this workshop expands your understanding of artistry, heat, and elemental transformation in an unforgettable way.
moderate.
12 hours over 2 days.
Participants should be in good physical health, able to stand and move independently for several hours, and tolerate working near high heat.
No prior glassblowing experience is needed. This workshop is designed for beginners with step-by-step guidance.
Participants must be at least 16 years old to join the workshop.
Wear natural fiber long pants and shirts, plus closed-toed shoes to ensure safety near the hot equipment.
The workshop requires standing and moving around the furnace for several hours, so good physical health is important.
Yes—each participant takes home five distinctive glass pieces they create during the weekend.
You must book at least one day before the workshop date to secure your spot.
Rotorua’s geothermal areas have long been sacred to local Māori, whose traditions inspire the area’s connection to natural elements like fire and earth.
Amokura Glass employs sustainable studio practices, ensuring responsible energy use and waste management in their glassmaking process.
Amokura Glass is a Rotorua-based studio in the Bay of Plenty that teaches glass art through hands-on workshops and weekend courses. The studio offers a range of beginner-friendly experiences including fused glass ornament and soap-dish sessions, short blown-glass projects such as a 45-minute pumpkin workshop, a paperweight class with multiple designs and colors, and multi-day weekend introductions and follow-on intensives. Each class emphasizes personalized instruction with limited class sizes so participants receive one-on-one guidance from skilled instructors. Amokura Glass presents both glass fusing—cutting and assembling colored glass sheets and kiln-firing—and hot glassblowing techniques involving gathering, shaping, and coloring molten glass. Visitors can expect safety briefings, step-by-step demonstrations, and hands-on practice that result in finished pieces to take home. The studio is suitable for individuals, couples, small groups, and those seeking a creative addition to Rotorua itineraries. All workshops include materials, tools, and post-process handling such as kiln firing when required. Booking ahead is recommended to secure a spot in popular sessions. Safety equipment is provided on site.
Book with Amokura Glass