Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley

In a region teeming with geothermic attractions, the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley has a lot of competition, but while the scenery doesn’t quite live up to the mind-blowing landscapes of the nearby Craters of the Moon or Orakei Korako Cave, the park is still one of Taupo’s most unique accommodation options.

A traditional Kiwi campsite complete with its own thermal garden, hot pools and petting zoo, the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley offers a great introduction to the area’s geothermic attractions. A walkway takes in the main attractions, including natural steam vents, bubbling mud pools and geysers, on a site next door to a geothermal power plant. Even if you’re not staying on site, you can still enjoy the thermal attractions and there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, including bathing in hot pools, spotting the colorful native birds that frequent the area and hand feeding the small park’s many animals.