Taupō sits at the heart of the Taupō Volcanic Zone, one of the most active geothermal regions in the world. Here, the earth is constantly shifting and breathing — steam hisses from vents, mineral-rich waters bubble to the surface and silica terraces glow in colours shaped by heat and minerals. For Māori, these places have long been valued for their healing properties and cultural significance, offering warmth, food and natural gathering spaces.
Today, travellers can step into this living landscape and see it up close from free riverside hot streams to steaming craters, silica terraces and luxurious spa pools. Some spots feel wild and untouched, while others are designed for comfort and relaxation but they all remind you that Taupō is a land powered by fire and water.
1. Ōrākei Kōrako (The Hidden Valley)
Discover one of the largest and most wildly beautiful geothermal areas in Aotearoa. Set in a remote valley north of Taupō, Ōrākei Kōrako is home to vivid silica terraces, geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and even a rare thermal cave. A short boat ride across Lake Ōhakuri brings you into this quiet, almost sacred volcanic landscape — a place that feels both ancient and alive.
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm (last boat 3:00pm)
Cost: Adults $47 | Children $18 | Family passes available
Features: Silica terraces, geysers, bubbling mud pools, rare thermal cave, boat ride across Lake Ōhakuri, café and gift shop.
💡 Tip: Allow at least 2 hours, including the boat trip across the lake.
2. Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk
Just 10 minutes north of town lies a lunar-like landscape of steaming craters, fumaroles and russet soils. The Craters of the Moon is an accessible boardwalk loop — roughly 45 minutes — that immerses you in a shifting world shaped by underground steam and volcanic activity. Adding the upper walkway gives a broader view of the cratered field.
See our full guide on Craters of the Moon
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 4:00pm (last entry 3:15pm)
Cost: Adults $10 | Children $5 | Under 5 free
Features: Boardwalk loop (45 minutes), steaming craters, fumaroles, colourful mineral soils, lookout platform, free parking, toilets, small shop.
💡 Tip: Wear good shoes — steam makes the paths damp in places.
3. Spa Thermal Park
A tranquil local favourite, Spa Thermal Park offers a gentle walk through native bush to naturally heated bubbling springs and rock pools along Otumuheke Stream. The river-edge path and thermal features make it both relaxing and rich with geothermal intrigue and it’s easy to reach from Taupō town.
Opening Hours: 7:00am – 8:00pm
Cost: Free entry
Features: Natural hot stream meeting the Waikato River, riverside platforms, changing rooms, toilets, car park, picnic spots, riverside walk to Huka Falls.
💡 Tip: Best visited early morning or evening — it can get busy with both locals and travellers.
4. Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
Set in peaceful native bush, these terraced silica pools swirl with healing warmth, their milky-blue hues created by mineral-rich geothermal water. The Wairakei Terraces are inspired by the original Pink and White Terraces of Rotorua, once considered the eighth wonder of the world before being lost to a volcanic eruption in 1886.
Today, the pools are designed to promote relaxation and wellbeing through hydrotherapy with a range of temperatures from warm to hot so you can move between them at your own pace. The surroundings are deliberately quiet — adults-only — making it a sanctuary for those wanting to slow down and restore. Alongside the pools, you’ll find a spa offering massage and wellness treatments, plus walking paths that let you view steaming vents and silica formations up close.
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Cost: Adults $25 | Concessions available | No entry for under-14s
Features: Four silica-rich pools, waterfall feature, bush surrounds, massage/spa treatments, café, gift shop, free parking.
💡 Tip: Adults-only, so it’s perfect if you want a quiet soak away from the family crowds.
Ideas for Additional Depth
| Feature | Details to Add |
|---|---|
| Access | Boat to Orakei Korako, parking for Craters, shuttle/taxi options |
| Time | Suggested duration: Ōrākei (2 hr), Craters (45 min loop), Wairakei (2+ hr), Spa (30–45 min) |
| Highlights | Geyser action at Ōrākei, multi-colored soils at Craters, hot pools at Spa, wellness vibe at Wairakei |
| Tip | Best times: early morning/late afternoon for light—and crowds; slip-resistant shoes recommended at Craters |
Taupō’s geothermal landscapes aren’t just sights to tick off a list — they’re places to pause, breathe and feel the heartbeat of the earth. Whether you’ve wandered the silica terraces, strolled through steaming craters or soaked in healing waters, each experience leaves you with a deeper connection to this land. Leave the camera in your bag for a moment, sit still and let the steam and silence remind you why Taupō is so much more than just a stop on the map.
He ao hou, he ao hāu, he ao hōmiromiro.
A new world, a revitalising world, a world of careful observation.