Title: Craters of the Moon in Wairakei - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Craters of the Moon Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Craters-Of-The-Moon-Hotels.0-l6108162-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Wairakei](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Wairakei.d6052675.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Wairakei](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Wairakei.d6052675.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Craters of the Moon Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Craters-Of-The-Moon.d6108162.Car-Rental-Guide)[Wairakei Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei.d6052675.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Craters of the Moon Tours and Activities ![Craters of the Moon which includes mist or fog and tranquil scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/113000/113394-Taupo.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Craters of the Moon](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/179000/179809-Craters-Of-The-Moon.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Craters of the Moon featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236805-Craters-Of-The-Moon.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Craters of the Moon as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/113000/113735-Craters-Of-The-Moon.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Craters of the Moon showing mist or fog, landscape views and tranquil scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236395-Lake-Taupo-Region.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Craters of the Moon Activities [Wairakei travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei.dx6052675) --- --- #### Experience a strange volcanic landscape where steam clouds swirl in the air and mud pools pop and boil beneath your feet. Craters of the Moon is an otherworldly landscape of craters and steam vents where hissing clouds of steam rise into the air and hot mud bubbles beneath your feet. Explore this geothermal hot spot by taking the boardwalks and tracks to the edges of large craters. Craters of the Moon emerged in the 1950s when locals noticed that the earth here was heating up and emitting clouds of steam. Boiling mud craters and other volcano-like phenomena also began to appear. The cause was the nearby geothermal power station lowering the underground water pressure. This activity brought about the drastic changes to the landscape that you can see today. Get close to the vents and craters from the safety of the walkways which lead to viewing platforms. Listen to the hissing sound of sulphuric steam clouds as they escape from vents in the ground. The scene can appear quite eerie with mists swirling around, a feeling that is enhanced by the minimal vegetation in the area. Give yourself at least 45 minutes to walk the trail loop through the cratered valley and a further 20 minutes if you want to climb to the upper lookout. The routes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels and have assisted wheelchair access. The geothermal attraction is located in the Great Lake Taupo region, approximately 4 miles (7 kilometers) north of Taupo. If you are driving, take the exit off State Highway 1 and park in the attraction’s car park. Craters of the Moon is open every day except Christmas Day, from morning until early evening. Admission charges apply with discounts for family tickets and children aged between 5 years and 12 years. Those under the age of 5 get in for free. Before your visit, go to the thermal park’s website to download the free app. It contains maps, stories, video clips and fascinating facts about the area. ### Popular places to visit ![Huka Falls which includes a bridge and rapids as well as a large group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/113000/113387-Taupo.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Huka Falls 4.5/5(23 reviews) Whether viewing from a boat, bridge or the riverbank, this set of waterfalls is a spectacular sight as a huge body of water surges forward and downward. [](https://expedia.ca/Huka-Falls-Rotokawa.d6108156.Vacation-Attraction) ![Wairakei showing a hot spring](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/113000/113438-Wairakei.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) ![Spa Thermal Park](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/cad493d15ab274d01edff6ff538a09b4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Spa Thermal Park Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Spa Thermal Park during your travels in Taupō. [](https://expedia.ca/Spa-Thermal-Park-Tauhara.d553248635974614317.Vacation-Attraction) ![Prawn Farm](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/335000/335724-Prawn-Farm.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) ![Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery which includes indigenous culture and art](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/113000/113749-Lake-Taupo-Museum-And-Art-Gallery.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Taupō Museum and Art Gallery 4/5(2 reviews) Browse and purchase fascinating pieces of art and go on an exciting cultural journey at this popular museum and gallery. [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Museum-And-Art-Gallery-Taupo.d6108148.Vacation-Attraction) ![Aratiatia Rapids featuring a gorge or canyon and rapids](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/113000/113797-Aratiatia-Rapids.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) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Craters of the Moon ## Check availability on hotels close to Craters of the Moon [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=2025-12-11&endDate=2025-12-12)[Dec 11 - Dec 12](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=2025-12-11&endDate=2025-12-12) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=2025-12-12&endDate=2025-12-13)[Dec 12 - Dec 13](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=2025-12-12&endDate=2025-12-13) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=12%2F12%2F2025&endDate=14%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 12 - Dec 14](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=12%2F12%2F2025&endDate=14%2F12%2F2025) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 19 - Dec 21](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025) ![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 [](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei-Hotels-Wairakei-Resort-Taupo.h1668649.Hotel-Information) ![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 [](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei-Hotels-Huka-Lodge.h95.Hotel-Information) ![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 [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Hotels-Lakefront-Lodge-Taupo.h37804403.Hotel-Information) ![Grandeur Thermal Spa Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/36000000/35280000/35277800/35277741/843150ae_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Grandeur Thermal Spa Resort 281 Spa Rd Taupo Waikato [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Hotels-Grandeur-Thermal-Spa-Resort.h35277741.Hotel-Information) ![Silver Fern Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/6000000/5790000/5781900/5781897/6e5027ab_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Silver Fern Lodge 118 Tamamutu Street Taupo [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Hotels-Silver-Fern-Lodge.h5781897.Hotel-Information) ![Watene Lodge - Spacious 5 Star Home with Pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111090000/111083800/111083739/bc596002_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Watene Lodge - Spacious 5 Star Home with Pool Taupo Waikato [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Hotels-Spacious-5-Star-Home-With-Pool.h111083739.Hotel-Information) ![Beechtree Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3630000/3625800/3625718/4dc27df3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Beechtree Motel 56 Rifle Range Road Taupo [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Hotels-Beechtree-Motel.h3625718.Hotel-Information) ![The Holiday Home Lake Taupo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/110000000/109630000/109625000/109624919/3623ca1f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Holiday Home Lake Taupo Taupo New Zealand [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Hotels-The-Holiday-Home-Lake-Taupo.h109624919.Hotel-Information) ![The Lakehouse with Hot Tub](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/105000000/104790000/104788600/104788593/3a8602fc_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Lakehouse with Hot Tub Taupo Waikato [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Hotels-The-Lakehouse-With-Hot-Tub.h104788593.Hotel-Information) [See all 731 properties in Craters of the Moon](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6108162) 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.