Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.cratersofthemoon.co.nz
;
Karapiti Rd; adult/child $8/4; 8.30am-5.30pm)
This lesser-known geo-
thermal area sprang to life as a result of the hydroelectric tinkering that created the power
station. When underground water levels fell and pressure shifted, new steam vents and
bubbling mud pools sprang up. The perimeter loop walk takes about 45 minutes and af-
fords great views down to the lake and mountains beyond. There's a kiosk at the entrance,
staffed by kindly volunteers who keep an eye on the car park. It's signposted from SH1,
about 5km north of Taupo.
Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
MAP
HOT POOLS
(
07-378 0913;
www.wairakeiterraces.co.nz
;
Wairakei Rd; thermal walk adult/child $18/9, pools $25, massage from
$80; 8.30am-7pm)
At our pick of the region's hot pools, mineral-laden waters from the
nearby Wairakei geothermal steamfield cascade over silica terraces into pools (open to
those 14 years and over) nestled in serene native gardens. Take a therapeutic soak and a
self-guided tour on the
Terraces Walkway
. On this you'll find a re-created Maori village,
carvings depicting the history of NZ, Maori and local
iwi
Ngati Tuwahretoa, and artifi-
cially made geysers and silica terraces, that re-create, on a smaller scale, the famous Pink
and White Terraces, which were destroyed by the Tarawera eruption in 1886.
The nighttime
Maori Cultural Experience
(adult/child $98/49)
- which includes a traditional chal-
lenge, welcome, concert, tour and
hangi
meal - gives an insight into Maori life in the geo-
thermal areas.
WORTH A TRIP
ORAKEI KORAKO
A bit off the beaten track,
Orakei Korako
(
www.orakeikorako.co.nz
; 494 Orakeikorako Rd; adult/child $36/15)
gets fewer visitors than other thermal areas. Yet, since the destruction of the Pink and White Terraces, it is argu-
ably the best thermal area left in NZ, even though two-thirds of the original site now lies beneath a dammed sec-
tion of the Waikato River.
A walking track follows stairs and boardwalks around the colourful
silica terraces
for which the park is fam-
ous, and passes
geysers
and
Ruatapu Cave
(allow 1½ hours). This impressive natural cave has a jade-green
pool, thought to have been used as a mirror by Maori women preparing for rituals (Orakei Korako means 'The
Place of Adorning'). Entry includes the boat ride across the lake from the pleasant visitor centre and cafe.
It's about 30 minutes to Orakei Korako from Taupo. Take SH1 towards Hamilton for 23km, and then travel for
14km from the signposted turn-off. From Rotorua the turn-off is on SH5, via Mihi. You can also arrive via the NZ
River Jet (
Click here
).
