Orakei Korako Tour: Self-Guided Geothermal Experience in New Zealand
4.8
165 Ratings
Taupo

Embark on a self-guided tour of Orakei Korako, a unique geothermal attraction in New Zealand. Explore geysers, mud pools, hot springs, and more in this extraordinary experience!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park - Orakei Korako boasts the most active geysers of any geothermal park in New Zealand. Up to 23 active natural geysers play freely through the area, which is constantly changing. Marvel at the number of boiling hot springs and the vibrant colours all around you, or take a native bushwalk through this untouched…
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What's Included
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Return ferry rides on demand
  • Self guided tour
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Guide - this tour is completely self-guided
Additional Information

Join our exclusively self-directed journey for an unparalleled geothermal adventure!
This distinctive geothermal sight, located between Rotorua and Taupo, allows you to marvel at geysers, mud pools, hot springs, silica terraces, New Zealand’s native bush, and a rare thermal cave up close. It is often hailed as ‘Arguably the Best Thermal in New Zealand’….

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Location
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave
Orākei Kōrako Road
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(165 Ratings)
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Pamnord
Oct 5, 2025
Small, serene and jam-packed with gorgeous geothermal features - Of the three geothermal parks we visited near Rotorua (Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park), this is by far my favourite. Compact but packed with so many different and fascinating features to admire: small boiling geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools, gorgeously colourful silica terraces and a geothermal cave (one of only two in the world!). An additional plus is the short on-demand boat ride to/from the thermal park, which gives a great view of the silica terrace “flowing” into the lake. The park is divided into 3 zones and the routes are well-marked. There are also signboards with maps at key points highlighting the current location, so no worries about getting lost. Really appreciated the interesting information signs for the key features. Just be warned there are lots of steps uphill and downhill which provide a decent workout. The visitor centre has a cafe and a small gift shop. There’s also a spacious shaded deck overlooking the lake. It’s a lovely place to have lunch or a snack after visiting the thermal park - recommend the pies. If you only visit one thermal park in NZ North Island, visit this one!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Youna_k
Sep 30, 2025
Fantastic - A really exotic experience. It wasn't as crowded as other tourist attractions, so it felt more wild. The boardwalk was so well-made that it was easy and a decent workout. It was so nice to go over to another island by boat. The boiling mud pool and cave were so mysterious.
Review provided by Viator
Rolandz261
Aug 1, 2025
Beautiful thermal area - We came from Taupo as we no longer wanted to go to Rotorua and found this tip in the DUMONT travel guide. We drove to the large parking lot at 9:15 in the morning, bought a ticket and were transported by boat to the other side of the lake. We hiked about 2 hours through the thermal park. Very impressive what we got to see and smell. Afterwards back again and enjoyed a sandwich/drink on the terrace. All the people are very nice and the park is in a very well maintained condition. Be sure to stop by if you are nearby.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beezee2010
Jul 24, 2025
- We visited four thermal attractions while touring the North Island - Orakei Korako, Wai O Tapu, Te Puia and Craters of the Moon. All are interesting and have their own positives and negatives, but Orakei Korako was absolutely our favourite. I think what set it apart from the others was the peacefulness. We visited in July and, even in Winter, both Wai O Tapu and Te Puia were quite busy. Orakei Korako was much quieter. Aladdin's Cave and the terraces were the highlights of our visit but the whole park is beautiful. Having the boat shuttle you over to the island really adds to the experience and makes the whole thing a little more unique. The staff are also lovely and very helpful with information about the park. There are a number of steps, mostly on wooden boardwalk. Wear good walking shoes. There are no toilets in the park so use the facilities before you board the shuttle. We spent a little over three hours in the park and could have easily extended that to four if we didn't have teens with us. If we had to recommend a single thermal park of all that we visited, this would be the one. This attraction is very much under rated - possibly as it's a little out of the way and not on the standard tourist route. It is 100% worth the effort to make the journey if you are travelling from Rotorua to Taupo or even as a day trip option from either.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnfletcherrobson
Jul 9, 2025
An under rated attraction. - It was about 8 years ago,but an unforgettable experienced.So little talked about,which surprises me.Maybe because it is a little off the beaten track.A complete surprise and so few people around during peak season.A must if you are visiting Taupo and Rotorua.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brendad771
Jun 23, 2025
Beautiful place with fantastic people - Fantastic attraction, but even better staff. Nick and Hillary are common sense down to earth people and couldn’t do more for us when a family member had a medical event. If you can, please go and visit this beautiful place.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
603madieg
Jun 22, 2025
Highly recommend - This was an amazing site to visit. Completely different from anything else we've ever seen. Can take the walk at your own pace, so no rush to get around. Winter was a great time to visit with very active steam. The team at the centre were super friendly and gave lots of recommendations for places to visit during our stay. Would absolutely recommend to anyone in the area
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lesilieg2022
Jun 6, 2025
Amazing - Wow what a great place to explore. We had a great experience from the start, the guide who took us to the island by boat was amazing and fun. We were dropped off at the dock with instructions to ring the bell when we wanted to return. The hike was beautiful with lots of stairs up and down, I have a knee replacement one year ago before this trip, I didn't have any issues with the walk the paths are very well maintained and wide step not to deep. Finding your way on the paths was easy they have plenty of signs to guide you and also to explain what you are looking at. We didn't see any caves to go in. I would defiantly recommend this place
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lesilieg2023
May 29, 2025
Amazing time - Must do this was a great experience the captain of our short boat ride was very helpful and friendly we had so much fun with him and the self guided tour was amazing just absolutely loved this place would definitely recommend it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Serge
May 28, 2025
Second visit and second discovery! - Two visits in six months and two different and beautiful landscapes! The first time in November dry landscape and in May totally different with water and bright colors under a bright sun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $29
From $29
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).