Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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 geothermal paradise. The Lonely Planet Guide describes Orakei Korako as "...arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand".
What‘s Included
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Return ferry rides on demand
Self guided tour
Food and drinks
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Guide - this tour is completely self-guided
Options
Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako
Reviews
178 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Thermal walk experience
807darrenp,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an amazing walk around this beautiful park , starting with a little boat ride across the lake then 90 min walk up and down around 600 steps
Beautiful
Michelle P,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Very natural experience. Amazing and well organized venue. Nice to be able to view a natural wonder without cultural views and politics. You can make your own decisions about what you see. Will come back and bring overseas friends
Colourful, peaceful, beautiful walk.
983jeanettek,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful thermal site with the added beauty of rainforest and a cave which seemed to make every one want to whisper. Great friendly staff, great value (not expensive), no crowds, no rush. Will visit again in Autumn for a different experience.
Amaizing trip.
311jacquiv,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely experience, lots to see. Staff were friendly, attentive and helpful. Enjoyed the boat trip across the lake. Well maintained area.
Wow!!!
shib63,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing surprise is how we'd describe this place! It was enhanced by the most friendly and helpful people working there. Lovely walk, lots of fascinating and amazing geothermal activity to see. Plus the welcome site of the ferry and beautiful lake before and after the walk. Highly recommend!
Fabulous visit
Roam09986802363,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous site well maintained with lots to see, friendly staff and good cafe. Be prepared for lots of steps but the team that built all the walkways really deserve a mention as it must have been hard work but made the experience so much easier.
Great location to see geothermal activity
ssarcot,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect location close to Taupo to get a feel for nature’s power when it comes to geothermal activity. The entire trail is very walkable and can be done in little more than an hour if necessary…
Yet Another Thermal Park
R4484JGsarahm,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00There are MANY thermal parks in this part of New Zealand. Frankly, they have many similar features. This one ia part way between Rototuro and Lake Taupo, between Rt 1 and Rt 5, so could be a good enough route stopping point. It opens at 8am, so if you're getting an early start and trying to fit a whole lot into your day, this could be a good option. Some positives: A lovely patio deck outside of reception overlooking the lake. The park is in a rather isolated location, making for a delightful place to have a coffee and peacefully watch the boat coming and going. The 5 minute boat ride to the attraction is included in the admission. It runs continuously, so no need to worry about scheduling it. It's a large park with good viewpoints.. the directional signage is good. It boasts having a cave. Nice, but frankly underwhelming when you get to it. Some negatives: The 2.5k route is probably 75% on boardwalk. The boards are far enough apart that hiking sticks, crutches etc can easily get caught up on them. There are hundreds of stairs in the course of the route, most admittedly necessary, but many are without handrails. If you have balance issues or children who don't pay attention, the lack of handrails could be troublesome. Descriptive signage is difficult to read and in poor condition. If you want to know something about what you're seeing, you're at a loss until returning to ask the boat driver at the end. Good luck remembering where and what it was. As I stated in the beginning, there are MANY choices. This one doesn't particularly stand out, but maybe it's the most convenient for your itinerary.
We were able to observe...
Michel M,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were able to observe remarkable places, on a very well appointed course, friendly welcome.
Very interesting site
LizHolidays,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting site with different thins to see. Very well organised and looked after. Staff were great. Xxxxxxxxxxx
From NZ$57.00
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Operated by Orakei Korako Cave Thermal Park