Craters of the Moon is a geothermal walkway in the Wairakei area, approximately 10 minutes north of Taupō. The 2.7-kilometre loop passes through a field of steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and geothermal craters. It is a privately managed attraction with an entry fee, open daily. Unlike the large commercial geothermal parks in Rotorua, Craters of the Moon is compact, self-guided, and gives a close-up view of active geothermal features with minimal crowds compared to better-known North Island sites.
Practical Information
| Location | Karapiti Road, Wairakei, approximately 10 km north of Taupō |
| Entry | Adults $10 NZD, Children $5 NZD — paid at the on-site kiosk |
| Hours | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm daily (last entry 4:00 pm) |
| Distance | 2.7 km loop (main track) plus optional side track to the main crater |
| Time | 45 minutes — longer if you take the side track |
| Grade | Easy — boardwalks and gravel path; some steeper sections on the lookout side track |
| Wheelchair access | Lower loop mostly accessible; some gravel sections require assistance |
| Managed by | Craters of the Moon Ltd (private) |
The Geothermal Features
The geothermal activity at Craters of the Moon is a direct result of the Wairakei hydroelectric development in the 1950s. When the Wairakei power station began drawing geothermal water from beneath the ground, it caused local water pressure levels to drop. This pressure shift brought new steam vents and bubbling mud pools to the surface — creating the active geothermal field visible today. The area was not geothermally active before the 1950s development.
The features include steaming fumaroles (steam vents), craters in the earth where pressure releases, and mud pools in varying states of activity. The landscape has a distinctive bare, sulphurous quality — pale soils, patchy native grasses, and rising steam visible in cooler weather. A side track added in 2019 leads to the most dramatic single crater, which vents with considerable force.
The Walkway
The main loop is a 2.7-kilometre circuit on a mix of wooden boardwalk and fine gravel, taking approximately 45 minutes. The lower section is mostly flat and boardwalked, passing through the central cluster of active features. The lookout side track adds a short climb to an elevated viewpoint over the wider geothermal field. Pushchairs are manageable on the lower loop but not recommended for the side track. No booking is required for individual visitors — tickets are purchased at the kiosk at the entrance.
What Visitors Say
“Excellent value at $10 — closer and more accessible than Rotorua’s parks and you get genuinely impressive geothermal features without the crowds. The big crater at the end of the side track is not to be missed.”
Where to Learn More
Craters of the Moon – Official Website — current entry fees, opening hours, trail map, and visitor information.
Love Taupō – Craters of the Moon — visitor overview and local context for the attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Craters of the Moon cost?
Adults $10 NZD, children $5 NZD. Tickets are purchased at the kiosk at the entrance — no pre-booking required.
Where is Craters of the Moon in Taupō?
On Karapiti Road, Wairakei — approximately 10 km north of Taupō town centre, a 10-minute drive via State Highway 1 north.
How long does it take to walk Craters of the Moon?
The main 2.7 km loop takes about 45 minutes. Adding the lookout side track (recommended) adds approximately 20 minutes.
Is Craters of the Moon managed by DOC?
No — it is a privately managed attraction. Entry fees are charged and tickets purchased at the on-site kiosk.
Is Craters of the Moon wheelchair accessible?
The lower loop section is mostly accessible with assistance on gravel areas. The steeper lookout side track is not wheelchair accessible. Pushchairs are manageable on the lower loop.
What time does Craters of the Moon open and close?
Open daily 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, with the last entry at 4:00 pm. Check the official website for any seasonal changes.
Craters of the Moon is one of the most accessible geothermal experiences near Taupō. The Huka Falls Loop can be combined with a Craters visit for a half-day of natural highlights north of the town.