Puke Ariki Geology Exhibition

At the heart of Puke Ariki’s new geology exhibition, visitors are immersed not just in the story of Taranaki’s volcanic past but in an environment enhanced by Forbo’s Eternal custom printed vinyl flooring.

With high definition digital printing, Eternal vinyl can transform any concept into flooring with extraordinary detail. For this project, the design recreated a realistic shoreline effect with waves crashing onto the beach, grounding the geological story in a powerful and visual way. The floor does more than support the exhibit, it becomes part of the storytelling itself.

The exhibition expands the natural history focus of the Taranaki Naturally gallery by digging deeper into the geological forces that shape the region. Visitors can have a hands-on experience to learn about three major rock types, discover how they form, and explore their influence on everything from Māori tool-making to modern industry. The custom printed flooring helps tie these stories together, creating an immersive connection between the land, its history and the people of Aotearoa.

What makes custom printed flooring unique is the freedom it gives designers. The technology offers endless possibilities, from photorealistic natural textures such as sand, grass or water, through to bespoke imagery including photography, branding or abstract design. Whether the goal is to replicate the natural environment or create something completely individual, every detail is captured with precision and clarity. Alongside Eternal vinyl, Forbo also offers custom printing in Flotex flocked flooring and Step safety vinyl, giving even more flexibility to create the right finish for any project.

Beyond design freedom, Eternal vinyl is built to perform. Its compact heterogeneous construction ensures durability, resilience and superior performance in high traffic commercial environments. The multi layered construction withstands heavy use, making it an ideal choice for public spaces such as museums, galleries and education facilities. A proven surface finish provides lasting protection against scuffs and scratches, ensuring the floor maintains its appearance even under constant wear.

At Puke Ariki, the custom printed flooring enhances the visitor experience and elevates the exhibition environment, demonstrating how design and performance can come together to create truly memorable spaces.