The 14-year-old monk is visiting Dunedin's Dhargyey Buddhist Centre, where he was welcomed and celebrated as its founder, Geshe Dhargyey.
With the help of an interpreter, Tenzin said he was identified by the Dalai Lama as Mr Dhargyey's reincarnation, and entered a monastery in northeast India in 2002.
It is his first visit to New Zealand, and it is hoped that once he has undertaken formal Buddhist training, he will return to Dunedin to continue the teaching of Mr Dhargyey.
Tenzin said he was not taken aback when told he was the lama's reincarnation, as he accepted the Dalai Lama's judgement.
Tenzin was philosophical about being separated from his family when aged just 7, and said they were happy for him.
He missed them badly at the beginning, but it was easier over time, and he enjoyed their occasional visits.
Along with other young monks at the monastery, Tenzin studies India's compulsory curriculum, but spends time at the start and finish of each day memorising traditional Buddhist texts.
Television is not allowed at Sera Je Monastery, but the young monks had fun playing a game similar to hacky sack.
Dhargyey Buddhist Centre director Peter Small said Mr Dhargyey taught in Dunedin from 1985 until his death in 1995.
Mr Small said Mr Dhargyey was a close disciple of the Dalai Lama, who visited Dunedin in 1992, and in 1996, when he consecrated the Portobello "peace stupa" built in Mr Dhargyey's memory. On that visit, members of the Dunedin centre asked the Dalai Lama to find their guru's reincarnation.
Mr Small said Tenzin would be in Dunedin for a few weeks, to "reconnect" with his followers, have a break from monastic routine, and "have a bit of fun".
"Friends I tell about this visit usually say it is a terrible thing to separate a young boy from his family situation. While his life is quite regimented, you have to take into account the long-term value of this process."
Tenzin was a "brilliant scholar" in his previous life, had an encyclopaedic memory, and was a master of yoga and meditation, Mr Small said.
"There is some cost for the whole family, but there is a cultural aspect which Westerners can't easily appreciate.
"I have seen [Tenzin] surrounded by his really affectionate peers and his highly disciplined compassionate spiritual mentors, and my impression was one of great joy and satisfaction in his life."
