Glassblowing Weekend Workshop in Rotorua by Amokura Glass
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 hours over 2 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical health, able to stand and move independently for several hours, and tolerate working near high heat.
Overview
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.
Weekend Workshop 1 - Introduction
Ages 16+ • Comprehensive Introductory Workshop • 2 days • Make 5 pieces of glass art!
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About This Adventure
Experience the art of glassblowing in a hands-on, two-day workshop! Learn to gather, shape, and color molten glass, culminating in the creation of your own unique pieces. With a small class size for personalized instruction, this memorable weekend promises creativity, skill-building, and the thrill of working with hot glass.
Come join us for a fun-filled weekend learning how to blow glass!
Duration
2 days • 12 hours (12pm - 6 pm Saturday and 10am - 4pm Sunday)
About
This comprehensive introductory workshop runs across 2 days during which you will learn the fundamental skills of glassblowing. Starting with gathering molten glass out of the furnace, on the first day you will learn how to shape the hot glass and add colour. The second day begins with blowing a bubble into the molten glass and we finish the day making your own tumblers.
By the end of the weekend, each student will have five pieces of their own; 2 paperweights, 2 tumblers, and a small ornament.
Come join us for a fun-filled weekend learning how to blow glass!
Class size is limited to 4 people so that everyone gets individual attention and enough time to work with the glass. We must have at least 3 people to run this workshop.
Requirements
Must be 16+
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 Fibers
Dress in long pants and shirts made of cotton, wool, or linen to stay safe and comfortable near the furnace.
Closed-Toed Shoes Required
Protect your feet with sturdy closed-toed shoes during the workshop to guard against heat and glass shards.
Stay Hydrated
Working near the furnace can be intense; drink plenty of water before and after sessions to avoid dehydration.
Book Ahead
Reserve your spot at least one day in advance, as classes require a minimum of three participants and have limited spaces.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Tūī birds with their distinctive calls
- Pūkeko often found near Rotorua’s wetlands
History
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.
Conservation
Amokura Glass employs sustainable studio practices, ensuring responsible energy use and waste management in their glassmaking process.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rotorua
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Natural fiber clothing
Protects you from heat while ensuring safety during glassblowing.
Closed-toed shoes
Essential for foot protection in the workshop environment.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated while working near the furnace.
Lightweight jacket
Useful for warmth before and after sessions in cooler weather.
fall|spring|winter specific