Experience the magic of this geothermal landscape on a self-guided walk along the trail at Craters of the Moon.

Experience the magic of this geothermal landscape on a self-guided walk along the trail at Craters of the Moon.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a self guided walk through this stunning landscape
  • Watch the craters steaming with geothermal life
  • An easy walk along wooden boardwalks and fine gravel suitable for the whole family
  • Excellent views from the lookout

Take in the incredible sights of the bubbling mud pools and steaming craters as you walk through this other-worldly landscape.

Our well-maintained tracks are easy to follow and suitable for most people, the main walkway will take you on a 40-minute leisurely stroll through the valley and the optional 20-minute upper walkway will take you up the steps for fantastic views from the lookout.

Take your time, stop for photos and enjoy at your own pace.

Loop Track - Suitable for pushchairs. Wheelchairs are permitted but some areas of the path are more difficult to navigate than others. The path is mostly boardwalk but it is recommended that you have a person to assist in areas where there is a gravel path.

Upper Walkway - A moderate walk with multiple steps (totally worth it), not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Adult $10.00
Child $5.00 (Aged 5 - 15 years)
Family $25.00 (2 Adults + up to 4 Children)

What's included

  • Admission into Craters of the Moon geothermal walking trail

Location

  • 171 Karapiti Road
  • Wairakei Park
  • Taupo 3377

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Opening Hours:

    9:30AM to 5PM. Daily with last entry being 4PM.

    Ticket Conditions:

    10am and 1pm discounted tickets are time-specific.

    General Admission allows entry anytime between 9:30am and 4pm.

  • Children under 5 years old go FREE.

Available Bookings from29 Mar to 11 Apr 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates
Sun 29 Mar
Mon 30 Mar
Tue 31 Mar
Wed 1 Apr
Thu 2 Apr
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Mon 6 Apr
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Sat 11 Apr

  • Adult$7.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$7.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$7.00 Less than 6 at this price!
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  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$7.00 Less than 6 at this price!
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  • Family$25.00

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  • Adult$10.00
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$7.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$7.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$7.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$7.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$10.00
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$5.00
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$5.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$5.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$5.00
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$10.00
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$10.00
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  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$10.00
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  • Adult$10.00
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  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$5.00
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  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$5.00
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  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$5.00
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$5.00
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$10.00
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

Bookings close in 1 hour...

  • Adult$10.00
  • Child$5.00
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  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$10.00
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  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$10.00
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  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$10.00
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  • Adult$10.00
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  • Adult$10.00
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  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$10.00
  • Child$5.00
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  • Adult$10.00
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  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$10.00
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00

  • Adult$10.00
  • Child$5.00
  • Family$25.00
27-03 1PM Special Amazing Walk A place worth seeing. Stunning Experience Great experience!
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Authenticated Reviews

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support

  • emergencyPaysage géothermique magnifique et unique (20 personnes ont dit cela)
  • emergencySentiers bien entretenus et chemins de marche faciles (15 personnes ont dit cela)
  • emergencyPanneaux d'information qui enrichissent l'expérience (12 personnes ont dit cela)
  • emergencyEnvironnement familial, adapté à tous les âges (10 personnes ont dit cela)
  • emergencyPromenade paisible et agréable, parfaite pour une sortie (8 personnes ont dit cela)
  • emergencyBon rapport qualité-prix par rapport à d'autres attractions (7 personnes ont dit cela)
  • star_shineApportez de l'eau, surtout par temps chaud.
    Prévoyez du temps supplémentaire pour profiter pleinement du paysage.

4.5

158 reviews

Showing all 158 authenticated Bookme reviews

Angélina GUILLAUME from France wrote on 22 July 2023

Très chouette

Balade très sympa, nous avons commencé le tour de la vallée géothermique par ce site rt nous avons apprécié les explications

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camillep2 from France wrote on 23 July 2022

Une ballade facile dans un paysage hors du commun

Chaque recoin de Craters of the Moon est fascinant, allant d'une piscine de boue à un cratère géant multicolore, en passant par une cheminée de gaz bruyante et des buissons survivants aux conditions locales. Staff au top, prix super abordable, ça vaut le détour !

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From Craters Of The Moon Geothermal Walk - Taupo

Thanks for visiting

Kartheek REDDY from New Zealand wrote on 28 March 2026

27-03 1PM Special

Craters of the Moon was an absolutely amazing experience! Walking through the geothermal landscape felt like stepping onto another planet — the steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and unique terrain were truly unforgettable. It’s a must-visit if you’re around Taupō. The only downside was the entry fee situation. We paid for admission, but noticed that many others seemed to be getting in for free, which didn’t feel fair at all. It took away a bit from an otherwise fantastic visit.

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ahmedzub from New Zealand wrote on 27 March 2026

Visited for the First Time

Unreal experience! So good!

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Richard Cherry from United Kingdom wrote on 21 March 2026

out of this world

well done. a long walk but well worth it. the moon is nothing like this ask Neil Armstrong

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From Craters Of The Moon Geothermal Walk - Taupo

Hi Richard, The park used to be much more barren and moon like, the name hasn't changed since the 1950s. I'm glad you thought it was worth it! Nga mihi nui, Amy Barhorst 2ic www.cratersofthemoon.co.nz<http://www.cratersofthemoon.co.nz/> [cid:[email protected]]

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Adult

Child Aged 5 - 15 years

Family 2 Adults + up to 4 Children

*This option must be made together with another price type.
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