Craters of the Moon Taupo: the best geothermal walk

One of the weird and wonderful things that you can do in New Zealand is visit the Craters of the Moon Taupo. This unusual phenomenon is quite unlike any other place in the world, and should definitely be on your visit list in North Island.

Walk on carefully selected pathways amongst deep open vents where you can hear and see steam rising and water, bubbling like a hot kettle underneath your feet.

It’s quite a bizarre and unique place, and it definitely feels otherworldly, like you could be walking on the Moon or another planet.

The Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk is something else.

The plant life and vegetation in the area is also quite unique because it is adapted to specifically survive around the geothermal vents, hot steam and exceptionally warm temperatures.

There is not too much animal in area, due to the rather extreme conditions, but some of the small animals that have adapted are unique to the area.

Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / NZ travel guides for things to do in North Island itinerary and your South Island Road Trip!

Not sure where to go? Have a look at my article on North VS South Island New Zealand which is better for you.

Craters of the moon taupo - steam vents — Craters of the moon taupo – steam vents

Best activities & tours on North Island

Here are some of the best New Zealand North Island tours! Honestly, I recommend doing at least 2-3 of them – Hobbiton, the Glow Worm Caves, a Maori Cultural experience… if you can do all of them, it’s worth it!

I always compare tours on Viator and Get Your Guide to check prices and different tour availability.

Hobbiton day tour – This is a must do on North Island – it’s a right of passage!

White Water Rafting Rotorua – This has the HIGHEST commercial waterfall to raft down, great for adrenaline junkies.

Glow worm caves – Dont miss the iconic glow worm caves on North Island!

Maori Cultural Experience – one of the most impactful and immersive experiences you need to try on North Island!

Hell’s Gate Mud Bath Spa – if you’re after some pampering, this is for you!

Waiheke Island Wineries + dolphin tours – Waiheke is known for the dolphin cruises and the wineries. Pick a tour and don’t miss this!

Table of Contents

Craters of the moon Taupo

As soon as I saw pictures of Craters of the Moon Taupo, we knew we had to visit. Steam rising from deep caters and cavernous vents in the ground made this place look as if you’re literally walking on the Moon on top of that you’ll find bubbling mud pits and bubbling mud pools that is so rare a phenomenon that is definitely worth the NZ$10 to get it.

Craters of the moon, Taupo is only about a 10-minute drive from Taupo town, and only two minutes drive from Huka falls.

It’s a great place for a short 45-minute walk with an optional extra 15-minute climb up the hill which is a little bit more strenuous, but you will be able to see more vents, craters, and spectacular views of the whole area.

It’s also a great place to take videos and pictures. Steam billows out from everywhere and the craters look otherworldly just like pockets of the moon.

Either that, or it looks like the stuff of myths and legends perhaps where great battles have been fought, and steam rises forevermore from the ground definitely a scenic and fantastical place worthy of any movie set.

Geothermal vent Taupo — Craters of the moon Taupo – thermal vents

Craters of the Moon entry fee

Entrance to the Craters of the Moon Taupo costs around NZ$10 for an adult which in my opinion is is a really fair price to keep the place safe, maintain all of the pathways and boardwalk.

It of course keeps people safe so they don’t accidentally injure themselves on the hot vents and it keeps the place running well.

Safety

Just make sure you follow the boardwalk and the pathway strictly so you don’t accidentally fall into a deep cavern of boiling water-stay safe and admire from above ground!

There are many areas where the ground looks as if it’s solid, but it’s actually just cracks of dried mud.

Stepping off the path can result in you falling into a cave in the low or falling into a bubbling mud pool which is quite likely to be fatal.

So absolutely stick to the path and do not deviate.

Another reason to stay to the path is the delicate ecosystem of plants and animals that have specifically adapted to live in the conditions surrounding the geothermal walk. It’s best not to damage the ecosystem.

Craters of the moon taupo - mud pools — Craters of the moon taupo – mud pools

Geothermal Activity & Volcanic Zone

The Taupö Volcanic Zone (TVZ) is one of the world’s largest and most active of these areas.

Here the crust may be as little as 15 km thick (about half the average thickness of continental crust) and the magma heat source for the geothermal fields only 5-10 km beneath our feet.

Geothermal activity Craters of the moon Taupo

It hosts active volcanoes, slumbering calderas (craters) and simmering geothermal vents and has been active for two million years and they’re still doing research on it!

It is still active now with Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Whakaari White Island erupting most frequently.

History

When explorers were first discovering the areas, apparently horses would fall into caverns beneath and disappear from site, and it was very difficult for them to navigate through the land due to the geothermal vents.

Craters of the Moon Taupo also has a significance in New Zealand’s generation of power and electricity. The history of Taupo is fascinating!

Back in the day New Zealand found themselves consistently short of power. They did not have enough resources for coal or generating other forms of electricity until one day, someone had the idea of using the geothermal steam to generate electricity for local hotel.

At 4 pm sharp, they were pleasantly surprised to find that it did, in fact, work opening a new opportunity to harvest energy through natural resources.

On-site facilities

Craters of the Moon Taupo has a little shop on site withttps://www.orakeikorako.co.nz/taupo-volcanic-zoneh excellent souvenirs, jewellery, refreshing drinks, and last, but not least some delicious ice creams.

We visited on a particularly hot day around midday and found that it was actually sweltering under the midday sun and with steam rising in great billowing gusts around us.

If you’re in or visiting Taupo, make sure you don’t miss Huka falls end, of course, the bustling lakefront of Taupo.

Craters of the moon taupo Map

The address for Craters of the Moon Taupo is 171 Karapiti Road, Wairakei, Taupō 3377, New Zealand.

It’s about 15 minutes drive from the centre of Taupo.

Car & Campervan Rental

It’s recommended that you either hire yourself, a camper van or a car, so you can explore North Island at your heart’s desire..

Depending on what time of year it can be really busy so it is worth looking at your stay well in advance. Bear in mind cost of hotels on your itinerary North Island New Zealand.

Car Rental North Island

North Island Weather

Summer in NZ

Read more about the summer weather in NZ.

Temperature: In January, when it’s summer, the weather is warm on both North & South Island! The temperatures are around 23°C (73°F), while the South Island is a tad cooler, sitting at around 19°C (66°F).

But honestly, on some of the days it was BOILING in the summer, and reaching highs of 30°C (86°F) if not higher. Think, you’ll burn in 15 minutes outside without sun cream.

Rain: Both islands get about 8 rainy days, but you’ve got heaps of daylight to play with, around 15 hours a day. It’s like the sun just doesn’t wanna quit!

Winter in NZ

Read more about the winter weather in NZ.

Fast forward to June, when it’s winter in NZ. Things start cooling down a bit, especially in the South Island. You’re looking at around 11°C (52°F) down there, while the North Island is still a bit milder, hovering around 15°C (59°F).

It’s a bit wetter too, with around 14 rainy days, but, you still get some solid daylight, about 9 hours or so.

So, that’s the gist of it! Both Islands have their pros & cons but frankly, they’re both beautiful.

North Island Weather in January

Average temperature: 23°C (73°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 6:15 AM
Average sunset time: 9:30 PM

North Island Weather in February

Average temperature: 25°C (77°F)
Average rainy days: 7
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:00 PM

North Island Weather in March

Average temperature: 23°C (73°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 8:15 PM

North Island Weather in April

Average temperature: 20°C (68°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 11
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:45 PM

North Island Weather in May

Average temperature: 17°C (63°F)
Average rainy days: 12
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:15 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

North Island Weather in June

Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Average rainy days: 14
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:15 PM

North Island Weather in July

Average temperature: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainy days: 15
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

North Island Weather in August

Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Average rainy days: 15
Average daylight hours: 10
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:00 PM

North Island Weather in September

Average temperature: 16°C (61°F)
Average rainy days: 13
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:30 PM

North Island Weather in October

Average temperature: 18°C (64°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 13
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 7:45 PM

North Island Weather in November

Average temperature: 20°C (68°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
Average sunset time: 8:30 PM

North Island Weather in December

Average temperature: 22°C (72°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:15 PM

Quick links

Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad:

Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide

Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia.

E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card!

Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it!

Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank!

Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / NZ travel guides for things to do in North Island itinerary and your South Island Road Trip!

About the Author

Hi, I’m Adriana! I’m constantly searching for the best places to travel to so you don’t have to! Think hidden gems but all over the world.
That means I’m constantly on the road and exploring new places to visit and I have a love for photography, so it made sense to write travel guides on all the places I visit. I was born in Australia and lived in New Zealand, Poland, Dubai and England growing up and I decided to take my love of travel to the next level! Read more about me here and see my articles here.

Full disclosure! Some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from every booking made. This is at no extra cost to you. It helps keep