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Lying on a volcanic plateau above a vast underground lake of magma, Taupo is alive with astonishing geothermal activity.
From steaming vents and bubbling mud lagoons, to rainbow-coloured silica terraces and rejuvenating hot springs and mineral pools, the ever-changing landscape can be both entrancing and formidable.
From the warm water crater lake atop Mt Ruapehu, to the steaming cliffs at Hipaua, and the thermal areas along the Thermal Explorer Highway - geothermal activity is obvious.
Throughout Taupo you’ll also spot steaming geothermal power stations generating sustainable energy by capturing the power of scalding water from deep underground.
Orakei Korako is a hidden gem around 30 minutes drive north of Taupo town. Its candy-coloured landscape is the closest you’ll come to seeing the legendary lost Pink and White Terraces, which were destroyed in an eruption in 1886.
At Craters of the Moon you can expect burping fumaroles, steamfields that constantly shift, collapse and regenerate, bubbling craters, colourful soils and heat-loving plants. It’s an easy, wheelchair and buggy friendly boardwalk trail.
There are numerous hot pools around Taupo town and Turangi. Several have health spas and water playgrounds for children on site.
If you’re on a budget, there’s free access to the natural Otumuheke Stream at Spa Thermal Park, and locals can even point you to spots around the lakefront where warm water bubbles up naturally.
Orakei Korako 'The Place of Adorning' - a spectacular Geothermal attraction. Lonely Planet Travellers Guide writes: “ Orakei Korako is arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand".
Walk along the banks of the Waikato River from the hot springs in Spa Thermal Park to the spectacular Huka Falls.
Maximise your travel day to or from Tongariro National Park. Adrift provides professional guides and instruction, transport, equipment and gear hire. We guide every day and guarantee trip departures with wind rain snow and even shine.
Dip your toes in an area of natural geothermal activity at Taharepa Reserve or dig in the sand to create small hot pools.
If time is limited then join us for 4 hours on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. will explain the geography and history of the Tongariro National Park and New Zealand along with details on the flora, fauna and geology of the area.
Off-road Thermal Safari. 1.5hrs - 2hrs. Off-road segway Training and trails followed by a historic and geothermal journey through Wairakei Resort & neighbouring forest.
Gain the skills before following our experienced guide off into the forest. Enjoy rolling trails and a peak at some geothermal activity on NZ's 1st and only E Venture Park. 1 - 1.5hrs
Craters of the Moon is a geothermal walkway with Lunar Landscapes - Hence its name. Craters of the Moon showcase the natural thermal activity of Taupo including bubbling craters, steam vents and colourful soils. 45+ minutes walk.
Spa Thermal Park is home of the famous Otumuheke Stream hot pools. From here, you can also explore the Huka scenic walking trails and the Rotary Ride mountain bike trail.
Our guides are personable, qualified and ready to guide you on the Whanganui River. Adrift provides instruction, transport, equipment and gear hire. We guide every day. Explore rugged terrain and lush native forrest.
At Huka Falls nearly a quarter of a million litres of water per second erupts from a natural gorge and thunders 11m into the Waikato River below.
More infoBorn on the eastern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, the longest river in New Zealand drains Lake Taupo through Taupo town, blasts through a narrow rock chasm to create the Huka Falls, then winds more peacefully northwards towards Port Waikato, south of Auckland.
More infoAt the heart of New Zealand’s central volcanic plateau sits the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, Lake Taupo.
More infoThe 78,000ha Pureora Forest Park is an ancient rainforest of giant native New Zealand trees, totara, rimu, matai, miro and kahikatea, and rich with rare native bird life.
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