Title: Wairakei Travel Guide: Best of Wairakei, Waikato Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Wairakei](https://expedia.co.uk/Wairakei-Hotels.d6052675.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Wairakei](https://expedia.co.uk/Wairakei-Holiday-Rentals.d6052675.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Wairakei Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Wairakei.d6052675.Car-Hire-Guide)[Wairakei Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Wairakei.d6052675.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Wairakei Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Wairakei](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967410/dc4ef785-92e0-4d4b-aebc-3f8e2fded336.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Wairakei](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967410/5ab68982-224f-4715-bab4-ebce8826e62b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Wairakei](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967410/bbc1e3e5-35b0-47a2-b1a1-7ab10c811a83.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Wairakei](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6293939/0f0aa117-0432-4988-9c66-c57ca2f21dc3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Wairakei](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6293939/57343405-8f6e-4ab9-bc66-e39defe70976.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. - Top hotels in Wairakei - Top Holiday Rentals in Wairakei ![Wairakei Resort Taupo by Accor](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1670000/1668700/1668649/755dfeb7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Wairakei Resort Taupo by Accor 640 Wairakei Road Wairakei £72 31 Mar - 1 Apr includes taxes & fees Stay at this golf hotel in Wairakei. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ... 7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews) Big room. Lovely patio Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=31%2F03%2F2026&endDate=01%2F04%2F2026&selected=1668649&PinnedHotelID=1668649&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052675) ![Huka Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/100/95/w1617h1162x0y0-e9aebb86_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Huka Lodge 271 Huka Falls Road Wairakei Stay at this luxury lodge in Wairakei. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon are located ... [Get rates](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=11%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026&selected=95&PinnedHotelID=95&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052675) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=11%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026&selected=95&PinnedHotelID=95&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052675) ![Lakefront Lodge Taupo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37810000/37804500/37804403/64f096ef_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lakefront Lodge Taupo 100 Lake Terrace Taupo £46 22 Apr - 23 Apr includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ... 7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews) nice clean and quiet place Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=22%2F04%2F2026&endDate=23%2F04%2F2026&selected=37804403&PinnedHotelID=37804403&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052675) [See all 793 properties in Wairakei](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=29%2F03%2F2026&endDate=30%2F03%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. ![Ika Nui Taupo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/70000000/69550000/69546300/69546296/e822355c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ika Nui Taupo 64 Lake Terrace Taupo Waikato Stay at this aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Taupō ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (384 reviews) Stayed for 2 nights, no linen change after first night, loved the rooms though. Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Taupo-Hotels-Ika-Nui-Taupo.h69546296.Hotel-Information) ![Sacred Waters](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1590000/1586800/1586780/e53cc7a9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Sacred Waters 221-225 Lake Terrace Taupo Waikato Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (442 reviews) The view of lake Taupo was beautiful. The hot tub was a pleasure. The kitchen was spectacular and a pleasure to cook in. The apartment complex is somewhat of a distance to the stores but with a car not a problem. We stayed in a 2 bedroom Apartment with washer and dryer within the accommodation that ... Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Taupo-Hotels-Sacred-Waters.h1586780.Hotel-Information) ![Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/11000000/10950000/10947300/10947201/4a85d249_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments 59-61 Kaimanawa Street Taupo Waikato Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (741 reviews) Great parking and not far from the city centre. The only thing is you only get two towels and if you are a couple that’s not enough. Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Taupo-Hotels-Quest-Taupo-Serviced-Apartments.h10947201.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Wairakei](https://expedia.co.uk/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.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052675&startDate=2026-03-28&endDate=2026-03-29)[28 Mar - 29 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052675&startDate=2026-03-28&endDate=2026-03-29) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052675&startDate=2026-03-29&endDate=2026-03-30)[29 Mar - 30 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052675&startDate=2026-03-29&endDate=2026-03-30) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052675&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[3 Apr - 5 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052675&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa](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 3/5(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.co.uk/Wairakei-Terraces-Thermal-Health-Spa-Wairakei.d553248621526967410.Attraction) ![Craters of the Moon](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(13 reviews) Experience a strange volcanic landscape where steam clouds swirl in the air and mud pools pop and boil beneath your feet. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Craters-Of-The-Moon-Wairakei.d6108162.Attraction) ![Aratiatia Rapids](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108164/1d848b24-3a6d-4701-bf10-09449625c027.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Aratiatia Rapids 4.5/5(6 reviews) The power of nature is unleashed when dam gates open and a torrent of water surges along the riverbed. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Aratiatia-Rapids-Wairakei.d6108164.Attraction) ![Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley](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(10 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.co.uk/Wairakei-Natural-Thermal-Valley-Wairakei.d553248621532610746.Attraction) ![Prawn Farm](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108158/ae2a01b3-9fe8-4350-97f4-698a6b5a4fd6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Prawn Farm 5/5(2 reviews) You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Prawn Farm during your travels in Wairakei. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Prawn-Farm-Wairakei.d6108158.Attraction) #### Wairakei International Golf Course 4/5(1 review) 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.co.uk/Wairakei-International-Golf-Course-Wairakei.d6108160.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/741312/2f81e6c2-e4f4-4914-b4b4-c26d9642ea80.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo £67 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/hukafalls-jet-boat-ride-in-taupo.a741312.activity-details) ![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 £26 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/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 £59 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/taupo-maori-rock-carvings-kayaking-tour.a48237295.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 £59 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/western-bays-sightseeing-tour-from-kinloch-lake-taupo.a49789529.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 £30 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/luxury-sailing-maori-rock-carvings-taupo-sailing-adventures.a46509332.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 £68 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/waikato-river-jet-boat-ride-from-taupo.a1395558.activity-details) [See all activities in Wairakei](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Wairakei.d6052675.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Wairakei ![Taupō](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108156/1a3a6bd3-337e-44f8-8099-4690880d2728.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Taupō - Cities near Wairakei - Places of interest [Taupō](https://expedia.co.uk/Taupo.dx3571) - [Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa ](https://expedia.co.uk/Wairakei-Terraces-Thermal-Health-Spa-Wairakei.d553248621526967410.Attraction) - [Craters of the Moon ](https://expedia.co.uk/Craters-Of-The-Moon-Wairakei.d6108162.Attraction) - [Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave ](https://expedia.co.uk/Orakei-Korako-Geothermal-Park-And-Cave-Ohakuri.d6293939.Attraction) - [Taupō Museum and Art Gallery ](https://expedia.co.uk/Taupo-Museum-And-Art-Gallery-Taupo-Central.d6108148.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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