Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako

Join this completely self-guided tour for an extraordinary geothermal experience!

A unique natural geothermal attraction, situated between Rotorua and Taupo. View up close, geysers, mud pools, hot springs, silica terraces, New Zealand's natural bush and a very rare thermal cave. Said to be "Arguably the Best Thermal in New Zealand".

The attraction is a self guided walk of 2.5kms and takes between 1 and 1.5 hours to complete. Open 365 days of the year (including Christmas Day) from 8m through to 4:30pm. A short return ferry trip to the attraction is included and runs on demand.

Situated just 25 minutes north of Taupo and 45 minutes south of Rotorua nestled on the shores of Lake Ohakuri lies ‘The Hidden Valley’ of Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park. Orakei Korako translated means “The Place of Adorning”.

Wander through a valley of unbelievable color, of bubbling hot springs, gushing geysers and unimaginable natural beauty preserved by its isolation from the outside world. Look down into Ruatapu Cave, one of only two geothermal Caves known to exist in the world, an experience not to be missed. 120 feet down, a thermal mirror pool is situated at the bottom.

Access to Orakei Korako is by ferry, at no extra charge. Average sightseeing time is about 1 hour. Ferries do not run to a timetable, so you may visit the valley as soon as you arrive if you wish.

It is open from 8am and the last boat to the thermal area leave at 4:30pm in the summer and 4pm in the winter. Free overnight Camper-van parking is available.