Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
25
Reef Resort
B5
Geothermal Area
Volcanic Activity Centre
MUSEUM
OFFLINE MAP
(
www.volcanoes.co.nz
;
Karetoto Rd; adult/child $10/6; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun)
What's with all the geothermal activity around Taupo? This centre has the answers, with
excellent, if text-heavy, displays on the region's geothermal and volcanic activity, includ-
ing a live seismograph keeping a watch on what's currently going on. A favourite exhibit
with kids is the Earthquake Simulator, a little booth complete with teeth-chattering shud-
ders and jarring wobbles. You can also configure your own tornado then watch it wreak
havoc, or see a simulated geyser above and below ground. A small theatre screens foot-
age of local eruptions and a 10-minute film of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
Craters of the Moon
THERMAL AREA
OFFLINE MAP
(
www.cratersofthemoon.co.nz
; Karapiti Rd; adult/child $8/4; 8.30am-5.30pm)
This lesser-
known geothermal area sprang to life as a result of the hydroelectric tinkering that cre-
ated 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 affords 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 sign-
posted from SH1, about 5km north of Taupo.
Wairakei Terraces &
Thermal Health Spa
HOT POOLS
OFFLINE MAP
( 07-378 0913;
www.wairakeiterraces.co.nz
; Wairakei Rd; thermal walk adult/child $18/9, pools
$25, massage from $80;
At our pick of the region's hot pools, mineral-
8.30am-7pm)
