Last updated July 2026
Wairakei is a small settlement and geothermal area approximately 9 kilometres north of Taupō on the banks of the Waikato River. It lies within the Taupō Volcanic Zone and features two major geothermal developments: the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station and Wairakei Resort. The settlement was established to house workers from the power station and the nearby Aratiatia hydro power station. Visitors come for the industrial geothermal landscape, resort facilities, and proximity to the Aratiatia Rapids.
Practical Information
| Location | Approximately 9 km north of Taupō on the Waikato River, on SH1/SH5 |
| Settlement type | Small worker village and resort area |
| Key features | Wairakei Geothermal Power Station, Wairakei Resort, nearby Aratiatia Rapids and Huka Falls |
| Distance from Taupō | Approximately 9 km north, about 10–12 minutes by road |
About Wairakei
Wairakei sits in a geothermal valley shaped by the same volcanic system that powers much of the central North Island’s hot springs and geysers. The area developed around mid-20th century energy projects that harnessed underground steam and hot water.
The Wairakei Geothermal Power Station was commissioned in November 1958 and ranks among the world’s earliest commercial geothermal plants using flash steam technology. A visible network of pipes carries steam across the landscape, highlighting the industrial scale of the operation.
Wairakei Resort occupies a thermal valley beside the Waikato River and offers geothermally heated pools, a golf course, restaurant, and accommodation options. The resort draws on the same geothermal resource that feeds the power station.
The Geothermal Power Station
The Wairakei Geothermal Power Station draws steam and hot water from the Wairakei geothermal field. It was one of the first large-scale commercial geothermal facilities worldwide and remains an active contributor to New Zealand’s renewable energy supply. The station’s infrastructure, including the extensive pipe network, forms a distinctive feature visible from nearby roads.
Wairakei Resort
Wairakei Resort Taupō provides accommodation, dining, and leisure facilities including two geothermally heated swimming pools, outdoor hot tubs, a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a spa. The property sits amid forested slopes in the thermal valley and has operated for decades as one of the larger resort complexes in the region.
Aratiatia Rapids
The Aratiatia Rapids lie a short drive east of Wairakei along the Waikato River. Controlled releases from the Aratiatia Dam several times daily create dramatic white-water flows visible from lookouts. Summer releases occur at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm; winter releases occur at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. The site offers free public viewing and connects to local walking tracks.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the power station pipes as an unusual and striking sight against the landscape. Many appreciate the resort’s geothermally heated pools and convenient location near other Taupō attractions. The Aratiatia Rapids releases are frequently called a highlight for their dramatic water surges and easy access.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia – Wairakei Power Station: Detailed history and technical information on the geothermal station.
Wairakei Resort Taupō: Official site with details on accommodation, facilities, and bookings.
Aratiatia Rapids: Current dam release times and visitor information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wairakei?
Approximately 9 km north of Taupō on the Waikato River, along the route toward Huka Falls and Aratiatia Rapids.
What is Wairakei known for?
The Wairakei Geothermal Power Station commissioned in 1958, Wairakei Resort, and its position in the Taupō Volcanic Zone near the Aratiatia Rapids.
When was the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station commissioned?
November 1958; it was one of the world’s earliest commercial geothermal power stations using flash steam technology.
What facilities does Wairakei Resort offer?
Geothermally heated pools, golf course, restaurant, spa, and accommodation in a thermal valley setting.
When are the Aratiatia Rapids releases?
Summer (October–March): 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm. Winter (April–September): 10am, 12pm, 2pm. Viewing is free from public lookouts.
Is Wairakei suitable for day trips from Taupō?
Yes, the short drive allows easy visits to the power station area, resort facilities, and Aratiatia Rapids in a single outing.
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