Geothermal landscapes and walking tracks sit alongside activities involving prawn farming, golf and jet boating in Wairakei. The experiences vary considerably in character: one might take you along a stream, while another centres on a guided tour or a weather-dependent ride. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Wairakei, you can choose based on the experiences that interest you most.

Geothermal Attractions and Walks

Wairakei Terraces is a holistic wellness experience in the geothermal valley of Wairakei. Visitors can take a self-guided walk along Te Kiri o Hinekai stream. The carvings along the track connect with te ao Māori, the Māori world, and the local iwi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa. The walk and its cultural connections come together in this place.

Craters of the Moon Geothermal Area in Wairakei offers another perspective on the geothermal landscape. The walk takes around 45 minutes and loops around a crater-filled valley. The track is gravel, with boardwalks in some sections. As track conditions can change, check them before your visit.

At Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley, mud pools, silica formations and the “Champagne Pool” are among the natural geothermal features. The area is also home to rare and endangered plant species. Together, the three places showcase different facets: Wairakei Terraces combines a wellness experience with a track and its carvings; Craters of the Moon offers a walk with a set duration and varied surfaces; and Natural Thermal Valley stands out for its geothermal features and plant species.

Prawns, the River and Other Activities

Huka Prawn Park is located in Wairakei Tourist Park and is the world’s only geothermal-heated prawn farm of its kind. On the banks of the Waikato River, the park offers prawn fishing; the riverside restaurant serves large freshwater prawns. A guided tour of the hatchery and nursery gives visitors the chance to hand-feed young prawns. As tour arrangements can change, check the current options in advance.

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary is New Zealand’s first predator-free golf course. A very different kind of activity is the 30-minute jet boat ride with Hukafalls Jet, which features 360-degree spins before reaching Huka Falls. The operation is weather-dependent; check whether rides are running before your visit. The options therefore differ not only in duration, but also in whether golf, a guided insight into prawn farming or a motorised ride takes centre stage.

In the Wider Taupo District Destination

The broader region may also be of interest when planning your trip. In the wider Taupo District destination, Lake Taupō is Australasia’s largest freshwater lake. Tongariro National Park is one of New Zealand’s three World Heritage Sites. Its dual World Heritage status recognises significant Māori cultural and spiritual connections; the Tongariro Alpine Crossing lies within the park’s dual World Heritage area.

Another natural highlight in the Taupo District is Huka Falls, where almost a quarter of a million litres of water per second plunge 11 metres through a natural gorge into the Waikato River. Walking tracks run along both sides of the falls. These regional features provide a distinct context alongside Wairakei’s geothermal places and activities.

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

For the wider travel overview: Taupo District.