Title: Visit Wairakei: Best of Wairakei Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca [Hotels in Wairakei](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei-Hotels.d6052675.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Wairakei](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei-Vacation-Rentals.d6052675.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Wairakei Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Wairakei.d6052675.Car-Rental-Guide)[Wairakei Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei.d6052675.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Wairakei ## Travel Guide ![Wairakei showing mist or fog as well as an individual female](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967410/dc4ef785-92e0-4d4b-aebc-3f8e2fded336.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Wairakei showing mist or fog as well as an individual female](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967410/dc4ef785-92e0-4d4b-aebc-3f8e2fded336.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Wairakei which includes forest scenes and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967410/5ab68982-224f-4715-bab4-ebce8826e62b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa showing a hot spring and mist or fog](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967410/bbc1e3e5-35b0-47a2-b1a1-7ab10c811a83.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6293939/0f0aa117-0432-4988-9c66-c57ca2f21dc3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Wairakei Things to do #### Get close to volcanic wonders and experience the geothermal power of the centre of New Zealand's picturesque North Island. Make Wairakei your home base when you want to explore the geothermal power of the Earth. See bubbling mud pools, silica terraces and geysers, the result of one of the most violent volcanic eruptions of the last 5,000 years. Approximately 1,800 years ago Taupo Volcano erupted, sending plumes 31 miles (50 kilometres) into the air. Wairakei is a small town north of Taupo in the Central Volcanic Plateau, close to a highly active geothermal area. Sightsee the geothermal valleys, silica terraces and geysers ofOrakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave. Discover more examples of the impressive power of nature at Wairakei Tourist Park. Here you can go on a boardwalk tour of theCraters of the Moon, a landscape of boiling mud craters and steam vents. Then watch mighty surges of water atHuka FallsandAratiatia Rapids. The tourist park also features a number of outdoor activities to get the heart pumping, including wakeboarding atAnarchy Boarding Park, a rope course and 50 miles (80 kilometres) of mountain bike tracks. For some leisurely sporting activity, play the 18 holes of the Wairakei Golf Course, which is spread across 445 acres (180 hectares)) of theWairakei Geothermal Park. After your activities, soothe your body in the thermal pools ofWairakei Terraces. Then stroll along the walkway to see the man-made geysers and man-made silica terraces. Along the way, you will pass by carvings that depict local Maori history and culture. While you are here, go to the recreated Maori village and pick up insights into how the Maori people have used the thermal pools for healing. You can also see traditional tattooing and weaving, learn about the culture and try a traditional barbecue. With a number of accommodation options and its close proximity to natural attractions, Wairakei is a superb choice for an active and fun-filled holiday. This spectacular location is 5.6 miles (9 kilometres) from the centre of Taupo, a 3-hour scenic drive from Auckland and a 4.5-hour drive from Wellington. - Wairakei Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Wairakei ![Wairakei Resort Taupo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1670000/1668700/1668649/dbfc4614_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Wairakei Resort Taupo 640 Wairakei Road Wairakei CA $105 CA $121 total Mar 9 - Mar 10 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this golf hotel in Wairakei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ... 7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews) We found everything excellent. Clean, spacious, great complex to stay in Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=09%2F03%2F2026&endDate=10%2F03%2F2026&selected=1668649&PinnedHotelID=1668649&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052675) ![Huka Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/100/95/eed42870_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Huka Lodge 271 Huka Falls Road Wairakei Book a stay at this luxury lodge in Wairakei. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon are located ... 10/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews) Perfect Resort and Service. Truly one-of-a-kind. Huka Lodge goes above and beyond to see to your every need. the suites are spacious and gorgeous, and the food is impossible to beat. Reviewed on Oct 22, 2025 [Get rates](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026&selected=95&PinnedHotelID=95&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052675) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026&selected=95&PinnedHotelID=95&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052675) ![Lakefront Lodge Taupo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37810000/37804500/37804403/26385868_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lakefront Lodge Taupo 100 Lake Terrace Taupo CA $89 CA $103 total Feb 23 - Feb 24 includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ... 7.4/10 Good! (1,004 reviews) The staff were fab, so nice and friendly, the restaurant was excellent with great service, food and cocktails, very generous starters. The room was spotless and comfortable but it was really hot and only had a ceiling fan that made a noise, so I didn’t sleep well, but apart from that, it was ... Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=23%2F02%2F2026&endDate=24%2F02%2F2026&selected=37804403&PinnedHotelID=37804403&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052675) [See all 802 properties in Wairakei](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=08%2F02%2F2026&endDate=09%2F02%2F2026®ionId=6052675) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Barn style cottage](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/75000000/74130000/74128100/74128079/e03a13e2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Barn style cottage Taupo Waikato Stay at this vacation home in Wairakei. Enjoy patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley and Wairakei Terraces & Thermal ... 9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews) This is a beautiful, peaceful place to stay. Steve and his wife are super welcoming.Highly recommended. Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei-Hotels-Barn-Style-Cottage.h74128079.Hotel-Information) ![Ika Nui Taupo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/70000000/69550000/69546300/69546296/253aafb0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ika Nui Taupo 64 Lake Terrace Taupo Waikato Stay at this aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Taupō ... 9/10 Wonderful! (367 reviews) Lovely stay Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Hotels-Ika-Nui-Taupo.h69546296.Hotel-Information) ![Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/11000000/10950000/10947300/10947201/8c8995b3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments 59-61 Kaimanawa Street Taupo Waikato Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (727 reviews) Great room and everything I needed Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Hotels-Quest-Taupo-Serviced-Apartments.h10947201.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Wairakei](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6052675&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Wairakei hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052675&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[Feb 7 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052675&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052675&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[Feb 8 - Feb 9](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052675&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052675&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052675&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Wairakei showing a hot spring](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967410/f61cc76f-f082-49d1-876a-57851cf0896d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa 5/5(1 review) Soak in these mineral-infused hot springs to truly immerse yourself in the Māori traditions and incredible scenery of the Taupo region. [](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei-Terraces-Thermal-Health-Spa-Wairakei.d553248621526967410.Vacation-Attraction) ![Craters of the Moon which includes mist or fog and tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108162/f1f9fe9b-eb8c-43e1-bb5c-340663806744.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Craters of the Moon 4.5/5(9 reviews) Experience a strange volcanic landscape where steam clouds swirl in the air and mud pools pop and boil beneath your feet. [](https://expedia.ca/Craters-Of-The-Moon-Wairakei.d6108162.Vacation-Attraction) ![Hiking this beautiful tropical thermal valley was like stepping back into time. I caught this beautiful rainbow in the steam escaping "The Witches Brew" while hiking thru the park. A great time! #hiking ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052675/b5486754-0a41-4496-9723-18333b1c01d7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley 4.5/5(4 reviews) Enjoy an outing to Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley during your stay in Wairakei. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei-Natural-Thermal-Valley-Wairakei.d553248621532610746.Vacation-Attraction) ![Aratiatia Rapids featuring a gorge or canyon and rapids](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108164/1d848b24-3a6d-4701-bf10-09449625c027.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Aratiatia Rapids 5/5(3 reviews) The power of nature is unleashed when dam gates open and a torrent of water surges along the riverbed. [](https://expedia.ca/Aratiatia-Rapids-Wairakei.d6108164.Vacation-Attraction) ![Prawn Farm featuring interior views and marine life as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108158/ae2a01b3-9fe8-4350-97f4-698a6b5a4fd6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Prawn Farm You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Prawn Farm in Wairakei. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Prawn-Farm-Wairakei.d6108158.Vacation-Attraction) #### Wairakei International Golf Course Enjoy a round of golf in Wairakei at Wairakei International Golf Course. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei-International-Golf-Course-Wairakei.d6108160.Vacation-Attraction) ### Things to do ![Picture 1 for Activity Taupō: Lake Taupo Maori Rock Carving 2.5-Hour Sailing Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4680566/f8360bec-ac64-4713-b740-43e852df1191.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Taupō: Sail Barbary Eco Sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings CA $47 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/taupo-sail-barbary-eco-sailing-to-the-maori-rock-carvings.a4680566.activity-details) ![Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48237295/06953f1d-cdcb-47a2-b102-d4cfa00f78ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour CA $108 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/taupo-maori-rock-carvings-kayaking-tour.a48237295.activity-details) ![Shoot through the rapids](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1395558/8fcf2003-0f81-4016-8673-1bc5170f4968.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo CA $124 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/waikato-river-jet-boat-ride-from-taupo.a1395558.activity-details) ![The plummeting depths of crystal clear waters make it easy to get to the base of the waterfalls.](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49789529/1f2dcf3b-babe-4891-a051-c3950c8a839e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Western Bays Sightseeing Tour from Kinloch Lake Taupo CA $108 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/western-bays-sightseeing-tour-from-kinloch-lake-taupo.a49789529.activity-details) ![Taupo: Waikato River Jetboating Adventure](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/44851953/f15d5a08-7031-4917-aef9-40cafc79dbf9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Taupo: Waikato River Jetboating Adventure CA $124 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/taupo-waikato-river-jetboating-adventure.a44851953.activity-details) ![Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures -Tiua](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46509332/b014f34b-6870-4014-97a7-352b18b45739.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Luxury Sailing - Māori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures CA $55 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/luxury-sailing-maori-rock-carvings-taupo-sailing-adventures.a46509332.activity-details) [See all activities in Wairakei](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Wairakei.d6052675.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Wairakei ![Huka Falls which includes a bridge and rapids as well as a large group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108156/1a3a6bd3-337e-44f8-8099-4690880d2728.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Taupō ![Definitely worth the pull off/stop. Only about a 5min walk from the car park. The water is so beautifully blue! #blue](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052675/f271af97-8433-4300-9857-73c3c210a3ba.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Rotokawa - Cities near Wairakei - Places of interest [Taupō](https://expedia.ca/Taupo.dx3571)[Rotokawa](https://expedia.ca/Rotokawa.dx692485716414234624) - [Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave ](https://expedia.ca/Orakei-Korako-Geothermal-Park-And-Cave-Ohakuri.d6293939.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app