Wairakei Thermal Valley

Wairakei, Waikato, New Zealand

Location: Wairakei, Waikato, New Zealand
Water type: sulfurous
Temperature: 40 °C
pH: 6.5

Water profile

Thermicity

Sedative

40 °C

LowHigh

Relaxing — deep, immediate muscle release.

Mineralisation

Bio-active

LowHigh

Rich in active gases or metals — a strong mineral character.

Buoyancy

Standard buoyancy

LowHigh

Soft water — natural, classic buoyancy.

SoufreSulfuresSulfates

Craters of the Moon Thermal Area is a region with geothermal activity north of Taupō, New Zealand. It is a part of Wairakei, the largest geothermal field in New Zealand, with a surface area of about 25 km2, which lies in the Taupō Volcanic Zone.

The name springs from the many hydrothermal eruption craters, which are in part barren and which have bright colours. Combined with the numerous steam vents, constantly shifting, collapsing and reforming giving the whole area desolate appearance, and the sulphur smell, the whole area has an "unearthly" atmosphere.

The craters are a relatively recent feature of the area and appeared as a result of human activity in the region.

Insider tip — Wairakei Thermal Valley is a geothermal wonderland near Taupo where steaming vents, bubbling mud pools and hot streams emerge from the volcanic Taupo Rift. The sharp sulfurous scent hangs in the air as you walk boardwalks threading between active thermal features. This valley sits adjacent to one of New Zealand's oldest geothermal power stations, adding an industrial heritage layer to the natural spectacle. Visit at dusk when rising steam catches the last light in luminous columns.

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