Wairakei – Geothermal Attractions, Walks and Activities

Wairakei combines geothermal landscapes with a range of activities: walks through valleys and streamside scenery, a look inside a prawn farm, a jet boat ride and golf. When choosing a hotel in Wairakei, it’s worth first considering which experiences you’d like to focus on during your stay. The activities offer different highlights; specific differences include the type and duration of walks, cultural connections and activities around the Waikato River.

Geothermal attractions and walks

Wairakei Terraces is a holistic wellness experience in Wairakei’s geothermal valley. A self-guided walk follows the Te Kiri o Hinekai stream. The carvings along the path connect with te ao Māori, the Māori world, and the local iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa. This named experience brings together a geothermal setting, a streamside walk and the cultural connections represented by the carvings.

A different highlight awaits at the Craters of the Moon geothermal area in Wairakei: a 45-minute walk around a crater-filled valley. The geothermal walking track runs over gravel and includes sections with boardwalks; track conditions can change. If you’re planning this walk, it’s a good idea to check the track conditions before your visit. Unlike the streamside walk at Wairakei Terraces, the loop at Craters of the Moon circles a crater valley—two distinct landscape settings to enjoy during a stay in Wairakei.

Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley also reveals different aspects of the geothermal landscape. Natural features include mud pools, silica formations and the Champagne Pool. The valley is also home to rare and endangered plant species.

Activities at Wairakei Tourist Park

Huka Prawn Park is located in Wairakei Tourist Park and is the world’s only geothermal-heated prawn farm of its kind. Prawn fishing is available along the banks of the Waikato River. The riverside restaurant serves large freshwater prawns. A guided tour takes you through the hatchery and nursery, where you can hand-feed young prawns. As tour arrangements may change, it’s a good idea to check them before planning your visit. This can help you decide whether you’re more interested in fishing by the river, seeing the hatchery and nursery, or dining at the restaurant.

For a different kind of activity, Hukafalls Jet offers a 30-minute jet boat ride with 360-degree spins before reaching Huka Falls. The operator is based at Wairakei Tourist Park, and rides are weather-dependent. Compared with the 45-minute walk at Craters of the Moon, the ride is 15 minutes shorter; these durations give you a practical guide for planning your day. As rides depend on the weather, it’s a good idea to check conditions before setting off.

A distinct focus: golf

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary is New Zealand’s first predator-free golf course. This adds a dedicated golf option alongside geothermal landscapes and water-based activities. If golf is one of your travel interests, this experience is distinct from the walks at Wairakei Terraces and Craters of the Moon and the activities at Wairakei Tourist Park. The range of experiences can help you choose a destination based on what matters to you during your stay and find a hotel for your trip to Wairakei.

Discover more destinations: Oruanui, Mangakino, Waihaha, Kinloch, Mokai, Iwitahi, Kuratau, Tokaanu

For the wider travel overview: Taupo District.