Wairakei

Travel Guide

Wairakei showing mist or fog as well as an individual female
Wairakei which includes a garden and forest scenes
Wairakei showing a hot spring and mist or fog
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave which includes forest scenes and a river or creek

Get close to volcanic wonders and experience the geothermal power of the centre of New Zealand's picturesque North Island.

Make Wairakei your home base when you want to explore the geothermal power of the Earth. See bubbling mud pools, silica terraces and geysers, the result of one of the most violent volcanic eruptions of the last 5,000 years. Approximately 1,800 years ago Taupo Volcano erupted, sending plumes 31 miles (50 kilometres) into the air.

Wairakei is a small town north of Taupo in the Central Volcanic Plateau, close to a highly active geothermal area. Sightsee the geothermal valleys, silica terraces and geysers ofOrakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave.

Discover more examples of the impressive power of nature at Wairakei Tourist Park. Here you can go on a boardwalk tour of theCraters of the Moon, a landscape of boiling mud craters and steam vents. Then watch mighty surges of water atHuka FallsandAratiatia Rapids.

The tourist park also features a number of outdoor activities to get the heart pumping, including wakeboarding atAnarchy Boarding Park, a rope course and 50 miles (80 kilometres) of mountain bike tracks. For some leisurely sporting activity, play the 18 holes of the Wairakei Golf Course, which is spread across 445 acres (180 hectares)) of theWairakei Geothermal Park.

After your activities, soothe your body in the thermal pools ofWairakei Terraces. Then stroll along the walkway to see the man-made geysers and man-made silica terraces. Along the way, you will pass by carvings that depict local Maori history and culture. While you are here, go to the recreated Maori village and pick up insights into how the Maori people have used the thermal pools for healing. You can also see traditional tattooing and weaving, learn about the culture and try a traditional barbecue.

With a number of accommodation options and its close proximity to natural attractions, Wairakei is a superb choice for an active and fun-filled holiday. This spectacular location is 5.6 miles (9 kilometres) from the centre of Taupo, a 3-hour scenic drive from Auckland and a 4.5-hour drive from Wellington.

Wairakei Resort Taupo

Wairakei Resort Taupo

4 out of 5
640 Wairakei Road, Wairakei
The price is €72 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€72
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Wairakei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Good location and clean rooms. However, housekeeping was not up to mark. We stayed there for two nights, but the bathroom shower gel was never topped up. There was very little in the bottles and we just managed to do with it."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Wairakei Resort Taupo
Huka Lodge

Huka Lodge

5 out of 5
271 Huka Falls Road, Wairakei
The price is €1,610 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€1,610
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Wairakei. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon are located ...
Huka Lodge
Lakefront Lodge Taupo

Lakefront Lodge Taupo

3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace, Taupo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €53 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€53
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (913 reviews)
"Lovely staff & very helpful…."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ika Nui Taupo

Ika Nui Taupo

3 out of 5
64 Lake Terrace, Taupo, Waikato
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Ika Nui Taupo
The Village Resort

The Village Resort

4 out of 5
82 Lake Terrace, Taupo, Waikato
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
The Village Resort
Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments

Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments

3.5 out of 5
59-61 Kaimanawa Street, Taupo, Waikato
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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