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Craters of the Moon, Wairakei
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Geothermal

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 hillside wonderland of active geysers, steaming terraces, gemstone-coloured pools, and New Zealand’s only geothermal cave.

Orakei Korako is a hillside wonderland of active geysers, steaming terraces, gemstone-coloured pools, and New Zealand’s only geothermal cave.

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.

Closer to Taupo town, Craters of the Moon is an otherworldly moonscape.

Closer to Taupo town, Craters of the Moon is an otherworldly moonscape.

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 few things more relaxing than spending an afternoon soaking away aches and pains in a mineral-rich thermal hot pool.

There are few things more relaxing than spending an afternoon soaking away aches and pains in a mineral-rich thermal hot pool.

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.

Geothermal activities & attractions in Taupo

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  • Hot pools & health spas

    Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs

    Unique thermal mineral hot pools with a thrilling dragon hydro slide & two amazing heated curved racing slides, children's interactive warm water playground, private pools and spa treatments.

    $11 - $23
  • Volcanic/Geothermal

    Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake Guided Walk From Taupo

    Our guides are personable, qualified and ready to guide you to the top of Mt Ruapehu, the largest of the three volcanoes in Tongariro National Park. This is a great hike and does require a good level of fitness.

    $585 Book now
  • Walking & hiking

    Half Day Volcanic Explorer Guided Walk meet at Adrift Tongariro Base

    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.

    $215 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Fat Tyre Forest Trail Tours & Safaris

    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

    $45 - $125
  • Volcanic/Geothermal

    Taupo Kayaking Adventures Geothermal Tours

    Kayaking through geothermal features along the Waikato River, bathing under a hot springs waterfall or wandering through Orakei Korako Geothermal Park is without a doubt one of the best ways to experience the geothermal wonders of NZ.

    $60 - $270 Book now
  • Volcanic/Geothermal

    Geothermal Segway Safari

    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.

    $125
  • Bird watching

    Adrift Tongariro Guided Whanganui Canoe Trips

    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.

    $600 - $12,950 Book now
  • Hot pools & health spas

    Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa - Guided Tour and Maori Experience

    Silcia terraces, thermal bathing pools, massage therapy, Maori cultural experiences, geothermal tours.

    $15
  • Volcanic/Geothermal

    Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk

    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.

    $10

Discover more highlights...

  • Water activities

    Huka Falls

    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 info 
  • Water activities

    Waikato River

    Born 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 info 
  • Taupō town

    Lake Taupo

    At the heart of New Zealand’s central volcanic plateau sits the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, Lake Taupo.

    More info 
  • Hiking guides & transport

    Pureora Forest Park

    The 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.

    More info 

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  1. Home
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  4. Geothermal