Discover Wairakei

Wairakei combines geothermal landscapes with walks, cultural connections and activities involving prawns, golf and water. The experiences vary in format: there is a self-guided walk, a 45-minute trail, a guided tour and a weather-dependent jet boat ride. A golf course is also one of the area’s distinctive offerings.

Geothermal features and cultural connections

Wairakei Terraces is a holistic wellness experience in the geothermal valley of Wairakei. There, a self-guided walk follows the Te Kiri o Hinekai stream. Carvings along the way connect visitors with te ao Māori, the Māori world, and the local iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa. This experience brings together the geothermal surroundings and cultural connections. Its self-guided format sets this walk apart from the guided options at Huka Prawn Park.

Craters of the Moon in Wairakei offers a different geothermal walk: the trail loops around a valley marked by craters and takes 45 minutes. It runs over gravel and, in places, along boardwalks. As trail conditions can change, it is a good idea to check the latest conditions before your visit. The stated duration and surface provide practical details to help you plan this outing.

Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley features natural geothermal formations such as mud pools, silica formations and the “Champagne Cauldron”. Rare and endangered plant species also shape this place. Wairakei’s geothermal character therefore encompasses both individual walks and a landscape with diverse geothermal features and plants.

Prawn experiences and a jet boat ride

Located in Wairakei Tourist Park, Huka Prawn Park is the world’s only geothermal-heated prawn farm of its kind. You can fish for prawns on the banks of the Waikato River. A guided tour takes you through the farm and hatchery, with the opportunity to hand-feed young prawns. Tour options may change, so check what is currently available before your visit. The park’s restaurant serves large freshwater prawns by the river. Prawn fishing, a tour through the farming areas and a meal featuring freshwater prawns are different ways to experience this place.

Hukafalls Jet is also based in Wairakei Tourist Park. The 30-minute jet boat ride includes 360-degree spins before the boat reaches Huka Falls. The service is weather-dependent, so keep this in mind when planning your outing. Unlike the tour through the farm and hatchery, this experience centres on a ride on the water.

Golf and choosing your accommodation

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary is New Zealand’s first predator-free golf course. Golf adds a distinct focus to the choice of geothermal walks, cultural connections, prawn experiences and the jet boat ride. Then compare the location of each accommodation option with your plans. This lets you tailor your search to your interests rather than treating the different activities as a single excursion programme.

More destinations

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

For the broader travel overview: Taupo District.