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North Island

Start: Orakei Korako
Locations: Taupō, Rotorua
Duration: 90 mins

Geothermal Landscapes Between Taupō and Rotorua

Colourful silica terraces, active geysers, bubbling hot springs and native bush shape the landscape at Ōrakei Kōrako Geothermal Park & Cave. Located between Taupō and Rotorua, the experience begins with a short ferry crossing over Lake Ohakuri before continuing along a self-guided boardwalk through the geothermal valley.

The approximately 2.5-kilometre walking route passes formations including Emerald Terrace and leads to Ruatapu Cave, which descends into volcanic rock towards the Waiwhakaata, or Pool of Mirrors. Most visitors allow around 60–90 minutes for the walk, although stairs and uneven sections require a basic level of fitness.

Highlights

  • See colourful silica terraces shaped by geothermal activity
  • Watch natural geysers, steam vents and hot springs
  • Follow boardwalks through native bush and geothermal terrain
  • Visit Ruatapu Cave and the Pool of Mirrors
  • Enjoy a quieter geothermal attraction between Taupō and Rotorua
  • Begin and finish with a short ferry crossing over Lake Ohakuri
  • Admission to Ōrakei Kōrako Geothermal Park & Cave
  • Return ferry crossing over Lake Ohakuri
  • Self-guided geothermal walking track
  • Access to Ruatapu Cave
  • Complimentary baby backpacks, subject to availability
  • Walking Track Details:
    • The walk takes 60–90 minutes on a boardwalk with some stairs, making it unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
    • The area is 3–5°C warmer than the Visitor Centre, so carry water, especially in warmer months.
    • Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed and social with others.
  • Accessibility: While the walk isn’t wheelchair-friendly, the Visitor Centre and café are accessible, with pathways designed for inclusivity.
  • Swimming Policy: The hot pools reach boiling temperatures and are not safe for swimming. However, a lake-edge beach is available for a cold swim during summer.
  • Bookings come with flexible dates and remain valid for up to 12 months from the date of purchase.
  • Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to another person.
  • Booking changes are flexible.

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

  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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

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

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

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.

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

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