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://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108162/f1f9fe9b-eb8c-43e1-bb5c-340663806744.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![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=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Craters of the Moon](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108162/6e8f60ea-de52-47a5-83be-8493232be2c0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Craters of the Moon featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108162/f3d554fe-3fd7-44aa-9e78-e2f2dab2aa79.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Craters of the Moon as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108162/8b3e7d1e-4b05-4544-a296-6ae5fb72c376.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. ### Tours & day trips [See all 15 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&filter.categories=ToursDayTrips) ![Taupo: Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupo Catamaran Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47693733/d028689d-b414-4c67-8d1f-9e75f674d219.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Taupo: Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupo Catamaran Tour 2h 30m 9/10 2 reviews Free cancellation available CA $56 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/taupo-maori-rock-carvings-lake-taupo-sailing-tour.a47693733.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1222071/836271df-3251-4d4f-bf9b-c9daa19ec0ea.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise 2h 9.8/10 9 reviews Free cancellation available CA $41 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/maori-rock-carvings-scenic-cruise.a1222071.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Taupo: Waikato River Jetboating Adventure](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/44851953/f15d5a08-7031-4917-aef9-40cafc79dbf9.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Taupo: Waikato River Jetboating Adventure 35m Free cancellation available CA $126 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/taupo-waikato-river-jetboating-adventure.a44851953.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48237295/06953f1d-cdcb-47a2-b102-d4cfa00f78ca.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour 4h Free cancellation available CA $110 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/taupo-maori-rock-carvings-kayaking-tour.a48237295.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Shuttle Transfers](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48498780/26293218-7a70-4f2d-b503-6038265ef989.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Shuttle Transfers 8h+ 10/10 1 review Free cancellation available CA $53 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/from-taupo-shuttle-transfer-for-tongariro-alpine-crossing.a48498780.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4782062/90762297-2b97-4645-892d-e57fa6a639ba.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise 1h 30m 10/10 3 reviews Free cancellation available CA $48 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/lake-taupo-1-5-hour-maori-rock-carvings-5-00-pm-cruise.a4782062.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Māori Rock Carvings Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4729118/a89465d1-036b-4cf3-9903-df6f2558b440.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Māori Rock Carvings Cruise 1h 30m 10/10 5 reviews Free cancellation available CA $48 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/lake-taupo-1-5-hour-maori-rock-carvings-scenic-boat-cruise.a4729118.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Taupō: Sail Barbary Eco Sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4680566/f8360bec-ac64-4713-b740-43e852df1191.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Taupō: Sail Barbary Eco Sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings 2h 30m Free cancellation available CA $48 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/lake-taupo-maori-rock-carving-2-5-hour-sailing-cruise.a4680566.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Hidden Lake Kayak Tour in Taupō’s Secret Gem](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/51071824/d788f421-9864-450d-b492-ba419a3564af.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Hidden Lake Kayak Tour in Taupō’s Secret Gem 4h Free cancellation available CA $159 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/hidden-lake-kayak-tour-in-taupos-secret-gem.a51071824.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Tandem Skydive Experience in Taupo](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4650788/4c148954-8b36-4e83-952d-6a5aa7bd6a87.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Tandem Skydive Experience in Taupo 3h Free cancellation available CA $268 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/tandem-skydive-experience-in-taupo.a4650788.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ### Attractions [See all 6 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&filter.categories=Attractions) ![Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Sweets Cottage](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46340774/eca4f214-486c-47b7-a7e4-844398231227.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Sweets Cottage 1h Free cancellation available CA $30 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/escape-room-experience-taupo-the-sweets-cottage.a46340774.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Waihora Bay Shared Tour from Kinloch Marina](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49820545/810a01d5-0c17-4493-aa90-5cb60dca5fd9.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Waihora Bay Shared Tour from Kinloch Marina 2h 30m Free cancellation available CA $170 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/waihora-bay-shared-tour-from-kinloch-marina.a49820545.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Chasing Waterfalls The Adventurer from Kinloch Marina](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49812224/0c0fb812-ec1e-4983-869f-cb381c8fb771.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Chasing Waterfalls The Adventurer from Kinloch Marina 3h 30m Free cancellation available CA $222 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/chasing-waterfalls-the-adventurer-from-kinloch-marina.a49812224.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Cursed Cabin](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46337228/253ca0f9-0dd0-4fc7-9f1e-21bbe4197e8d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Cursed Cabin 1h Free cancellation available CA $30 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/escape-room-experience-taupo-cabin-in-the-woods.a46337228.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Marvellous Circus](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46324593/b2eddb51-37e3-4e16-9d8c-32c9bf4e54d2.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Marvellous Circus 1h Free cancellation available CA $30 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/escape-room-experience-taupo-the-wild-tea-party.a46324593.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Hunting Lodge](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46338532/5a17aa88-36e6-46b6-b2aa-85e4ad38d4e6.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Hunting Lodge 1h Free cancellation available CA $30 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/escape-room-experience-taupo-the-hunting-lodge.a46338532.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ### Adventure & outdoor [See all 3 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&filter.categories=AdventureOutdoor) ![Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Shuttle Transfers](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48498780/26293218-7a70-4f2d-b503-6038265ef989.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Shuttle Transfers 8h+ 10/10 1 review Free cancellation available CA $53 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/from-taupo-shuttle-transfer-for-tongariro-alpine-crossing.a48498780.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Tandem Skydive Experience in Taupo](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4650788/4c148954-8b36-4e83-952d-6a5aa7bd6a87.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Tandem Skydive Experience in Taupo 3h Free cancellation available CA $268 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/tandem-skydive-experience-in-taupo.a4650788.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ![Taupo Private Geothermal Bike Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48796615/8ada05fc-23bd-4680-ae3a-80e4b5c91b4b.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Taupo Private Geothermal Bike Tour 6h Free cancellation available CA $1,956 includes taxes & fees per adult\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/taupo-private-geothermal-bike-tour.a48796615.activity-details?&rid=6108162&location=Craters+of+the+Moon&swp=off) ### Popular places to visit ![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=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Huka Falls 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://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 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) ![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 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) ![rotorua lake](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635974614317/4854363f-28cb-40d1-88c4-2e121bb56d0e.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 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) ![Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery which includes indigenous culture and art](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108148/85b9e1ac-522e-496d-ab35-273a79517548.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Taupō Museum and Art Gallery 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) --- ## 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=2026-01-27&endDate=2026-01-28)[Jan 27 - Jan 28](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=2026-01-27&endDate=2026-01-28) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=2026-01-28&endDate=2026-01-29)[Jan 28 - Jan 29](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=2026-01-28&endDate=2026-01-29) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026)[Jan 30 - Feb 1](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 6 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108162&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026) ![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) ![Twin Peaks Lakeside Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4520000/4517100/4517013/d9a0bfb6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Twin Peaks Lakeside Inn 76-80 Lake Terrace Taupo [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Hotels-Twin-Peaks-Lakeside-Inn.h4517013.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) ![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) ![The Grand @ Taupo - Outdoor Fire and Hot Tub](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/105000000/104450000/104443800/104443777/baab5473_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Grand @ Taupo - Outdoor Fire and Hot Tub Taupo New Zealand [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Hotels-The-Grand-Taupo-Outdoor-Fire-And-Hot-Tub.h104443777.Hotel-Information) [See all 767 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. 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