Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park
between Rotorua and Taupo
Geothermal Park Tour
One of the best thermal areas to visit in New Zealand and approx half-way between Rotorua and Taupo. Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park is a natural world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and amazing silica terraces. Twenty three active geysers play freely through the area. View the vast number of boiling hot springs and mud pools or take a native bush walk through this untouched geothermal valley and into the thermal Ruatapu Cave extending 120 ft down to a hot pool named "Waiwhakaata", which means "pool of mirrors."
Lonely Planet described Orakei Korako as "...arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand."
Orakei Korako (also know as 'The Hidden Valley') is a highly active geothermal area situated in the Taupo Volcanic Zone on the Waikato River at Lake Ohakuri, which is part of the hydro-electric power scheme. The formation of the lake raised the Waikato River at Orakei Korako by 18m, flooding more than 250 hot springs and geysers. Even with two thirds of the original geothermal area covered by the artificial lake, Orakei Korako is still New Zealand's largest geyser field and one of the country's must-see natural attractions.
The ferry runs on demand.
Bookings are not required.
Departs 8am - 4:30pm* | Duration 1-2 hours *winter 4pm
Price: $39
includes ferry trip to and from the attraction, entrance to valley and cave
Family Friendly
Directions
If driving from Rotorua, travel down State Highway 5. The turnoff to Orakei Korako is 3km south of Golden Springs. Turn right on to the Tutukau Rd, travel 16kms then turn right onto Orakei Korako Rd, travel 5kms to the end of the road. Approximate driving time from Rotorua is 45 minutes.
If driving from Taupo head north on State Highway 1,in the direction of Hamilton, the turnoff to Orakei Korako is 14kms from the junction of State Highways 1 and 5 at Wairakei, turn right on to the Tutukau Rd, travel 9kms then turn left onto Orakei Korako Rd, travel 5kms to the end of the road. Approximate driving time from Taupo is 25 minutes.
Terms
CHILD POLICY Family friendly, under 6 free, 6-16 child fare.
CANCELLATION on-line booking no refund | cancellation due to weather or mechanical reasons, full refund
SEASON Open year round
- Bookings
- T +64 7 378 3131
- W www.orakeikorako.co.nz
- E
494 Orakei Korako Road, Reporoa
Recommendations:
Stop for lunch at Mudcake Café.
Local Area
Taupo - 30 minutes
Rotorua - 1 hour
Fly with Taupo's Float Plane