ROTORUA WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Under the Flame: A Two‑Day Introduction to Glassblowing in Rotorua
A hands-on, two-day workshop with Amokura Glass in Rotorua that teaches basic hot‑glass techniques and culminates in five pieces of personal glass art.
Under the Flame: A Two‑Day Introduction to Glassblowing in Rotorua.
This compact, two‑day workshop at Amokura Glass puts you straight into the heat of the hot shop: gathering molten glass from the furnace, shaping it on the marver, and adding colour as you learn the fundamentals of glassblowing. Designed as an introductory course, it balances technical coaching with hands‑on practice so participants leave with both new skills and finished work.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on hot‑glass fundamentals
Over two days you learn core glassblowing techniques: gathering molten glass, shaping with tools and the marver, adding colour, and forming blown and solid objects under instructor guidance.
Make five personal pieces
By the end of the weekend each student will have produced five pieces of their own work — two paperweights, two tumblers, and a small blown ornament — a clear measure of progress for a short introductory course.
Small, focused groups
Class size is capped at four students to ensure individual attention; the operator requires a minimum of three participants for the workshop to run.
What the day feels like
What the Weekend Feels Like
The schedule is deliberately concentrated: expect sweaty, focused work at the bench as you move from the furnace to the marver and onto blowing and finishing techniques. Instruction alternates with practical time at the pipe so every participant gets repeated, supervised turns working with hot glass.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Two days: Saturday 12:00–18:00 and Sunday 10:00–16:00, totaling 12 hours of instruction and practice.
Bring a packed lunch and water bottle; wear close‑toed shoes, long pants and clothing made of natural fibres (cotton, wool or linen). Avoid yoga or biking pants.
Classes are limited to four students to ensure personalized instruction; the workshop requires at least three participants to run.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be 16 years or older.
How long is the workshop?
The workshop runs over two days for a total of 12 hours: Saturday 12:00–18:00 and Sunday 10:00–16:00.
How many pieces will I make?
Each student makes five pieces: two paperweights, two tumblers and a small blown ornament.
Are there clothing requirements?
Yes. Wear close‑toed shoes, long pants and clothing made of natural fibres such as cotton, wool or linen; yoga and biking pants are not suitable.
Is the studio pet‑free?
No. The hot shop is cat‑friendly with two resident cats (Kupe and Jeff); if you are allergic to cats, keep this in mind before booking.
What if I have a health or safety concern?
If you have additional health or safety concerns, contact the operator before booking to confirm they can accommodate you.
Where does the workshop meet?
Meet at Amokura Glass in Rotorua for the workshop sessions.