Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand Travel

1. Slips Trips and Falls: Customers are advised that the park contains boardwalks that are exposed to the elements and may be slippery at times and a number of stairs are present. Please take care with your footing and keep an eye on where you step to avoid slips trips and falls.
2. Burns: Geothermal areas contain hot water and steam. The ground off the track can be extremely fragile and have boiling water running through it.  Please treat all water as hot and stay on the pathways at all times. There is the potential for hot material to splash, so we recommend full length clothing and covered shoes.
3. Dehydration/Exhaustion: The park is generally hotter than on the Visitors Centre side of the river and the walk requires a basic level of fitness to complete. Ensure you take enough water and are fit enough to complete the walk and be able to be evacuated if necessary.
4. Fire: There is a risk of fire in the bush surrounding the park. The park is a no smoking area to prevent fires. In the event of a fire please report immediately to the staff via the radios at the first aid points and follow all instructions given by the loudspeaker.
5. Geothermal event / Earthquake: Geothermal zones are unpredictable and located in geologically active areas. A major geothermal event or earthquake is possible. In the event of a major geothermal event or earthquake please follow the instructions of the staff. The pathways are located in areas of relative safety. Stay on the pathways at all times.
6. Drowning/Crushing: The docks are a location where heavy machinery is operating near water and are a high-risk zone. Please stay off the docks unless indicated to by the skipper of the ferry. While aboard the ferry passengers must follow instructions given to them by the skipper.
7. Unsupervised children: Geothermal zones are dangerous for children who are unsupervised as they may not be able to recognize unfamiliar risks. All children must be directly supervised at all times while in the park.

It is the responsibility of people visiting the park to abide by all safety advice given to them and act in a safe manner at all times.

If you wish to know more about any of these risks, please ask the friendly staff upon arrival.

Driving Directions

From Rotorua: Travel south on State Highway 5. The turnoff to Orakei Korako is 3 km south of Golden Springs. Turn right onto Tutukau Road and continue for 16 km, then turn right onto Orakei Korako Road. Follow this road for a further 5 km until you reach the end. The approximate driving time from Rotorua is 45 minutes.

From Taupo: Head north on State Highway 1 towards Hamilton. The turnoff to Orakei Korako is 14 km from the junction of State Highways 1 and 5 at Wairakei. Turn right onto Tutukau Road and drive for 9 km, then turn left onto Orakei Korako Road. Continue for 5 km to the end of the road. The approximate driving time from Taupo is 25 minutes.

The GPS coordinates for Orakei Korako are Latitude 38°28.429'S / Longitude 176°08.582'E (-38 28.429, 176 8.582 / 38°28'25.7"S 176°08'34.9"E). Please note that some GPS devices may provide incorrect directions, so ensure your device is guiding you to the location shown on the map.

Please note that there is no public boat ramp at Orakei Korako. However, there is a public ramp at Tutukau Bridge on Tutukau Road, just a five-minute drive from The Hidden Valley.

Our Visitor Centre includes a souvenir shop, a café, and modern toilet facilities. A full upgrade of Orakei Korako was completed in 2011, enhancing the grounds, shop, and amenities, as well as introducing a custom-built ferry.

What can I find in the souvenir shop?

Our souvenir shop offers a wide range of mud beauty products, t-shirts, hats, magnets, and other memorabilia—perfect for a keepsake or gift. All items are available at the best prices.

What does the MudCake Café offer?

The MudCake Café serves freshly brewed espresso, cappuccino, and hot chocolate, as well as delicious pies, sandwiches, and fresh baking. There are also kid-friendly options like fluffies.

Can I buy alcoholic drinks at the café?

Yes, the café is licensed, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer after exploring the geothermal area.

Is there outdoor seating with a view?

Absolutely! You can relax on the riverside deck, which offers stunning views of Lake Ohakuri. Alternatively, you’re welcome to enjoy a picnic on the large grass area above our lakeside beach.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, we offer free Wi-Fi at the MudCake Café, so you can check your emails while unwinding with your drink.

Admission includes the return ferry crossing over Lake Ohakuri, access to the self-guided geothermal walking track and entry to Ruatapu Cave.

Most visitors allow approximately 60–90 minutes to complete the 2.5-kilometre geothermal walk, depending on their pace and time spent at the viewing areas.

Yes. The geothermal park is suitable for families, but children must remain closely supervised near hot springs, boardwalks, stairs and ferry areas.

The visitor centre and café are accessible, but the geothermal walking track includes stairs and is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.