Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley is a privately owned geothermal reserve adjacent to the Waikato River, a short drive north of Taupō near the Wairākei geothermal area. The property features a 1.8-kilometre self-guided walk along the steaming banks of the Wairakei Stream, passing natural mud pools, silica formations, fumaroles and the dramatic Witches Cauldron — a deep geothermal pit. Unlike the adjacent Wairakei Terraces, this is an unmodified natural valley — wild rather than curated, and less visited.
Practical Information
| Hours | Mon–Fri 10am–5pm · Sun 10am–3:30pm · Sat 3pm–5pm. Hours may vary — check ahead. |
| Walk | 1.8km self-guided thermal walk along the Wairakei Stream |
| Features | Mud pools, silica formations, champagne pool, Witches Cauldron, rare geothermal plants |
| Campsite | Powered sites ($16–24/night), cabins from $75, cottages from $155. Hot showers available. |
| Also on site | Café, children’s playground, small zoo and farm animals (peacocks) |
The Thermal Walk
The 1.8-kilometre track follows the Wairakei Stream through a secluded geothermal valley, passing through a landscape shaped by centuries of thermal activity. Features along the route include active mud pools, silica mineral deposits in multiple colours, a champagne pool with bubbling surface activity, and the Witches Cauldron — a deep geothermal pit where the valley walls drop sharply to steaming water below. Rare and endangered geothermal plant species grow along the stream banks.
The valley is quieter and less curated than Ōrākei Kōrako or Craters of the Moon, giving it a different feel — more like walking through an active geological environment without the polished visitor infrastructure of the larger parks.
Campsite
The property operates a campsite alongside the geothermal valley, making it a practical overnight base for visitors who want to explore the Wairākei geothermal area across multiple days. Powered sites, cabins and cottages are available, with hot showers on site. The campground shares the property with peacocks, farm animals and the café.
Where to Learn More
Wairakei Tourist Park — Natural Thermal Valley
Details on the thermal walk, campground options and facilities at the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley.
Love Taupō — Wairākei Area Attractions
Overview of the broader Wairākei geothermal area including nearby attractions and visitor options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley the same as Wairakei Terraces?
No — they are two separate sites. Wairakei Terraces is a commercial spa facility with thermal pools and managed silica terraces. Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley is a private geothermal reserve with a natural bush-and-stream walk and a campground. Both are in the Wairākei area north of Taupō.
What is the Witches Cauldron?
A deep geothermal pit along the thermal walk where the ground drops sharply to steaming water below — one of the most dramatic features of the valley.
Can I camp at Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley?
Yes — the property has powered sites ($16–$24 per night), cabins from $75 and cottages from $155. Hot showers, café and a playground are available.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Friday 10am–5pm, Sunday 10am–3:30pm, Saturday 3pm–5pm. Hours may vary seasonally — confirm before visiting.
Is the thermal walk suitable for children?
Yes — the 1.8km walk is relatively flat and the farm animals, peacocks and playground make the property family-friendly. Keep children well away from geothermal features at all times.
See also: Geothermal attractions in Taupō · Craters of the Moon · Ōrākei Kōrako