The Taupo Volcanic Zone has one of the highest geothermal activity ratings in the world. It lies in the beating heart of New Zealand’s North Island and stretches from Mount Ruapehu into the Pacific Ocean past White Island.
Wai O Tapu’s whimsically named Thermal Wonderland is a series of brightly coloured geothermal pools, stinky sulphur mud baths, and explosive geysers located directly in the middle of this volcanic zone.
Wai-O-Tapu Overview: Admission fee and opening hours
Admission Fee (2023):
- NZD 32.50 per adult,
- NZD 11.00 per child (5-15),
- NZD 85.00 per family (with 2 or 3 children)
Opening Hours:
- Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last admission 3:00 PM)
How do I get to Wai-O-Tapu?
The closest city is Rotorua, 30 minutes (30km) drive away. Taupo is around 55km from the park’s entry and takes an hour. It’s straightforward to find and well-signposted when driving along this road.
Tours depart from Taupo and Rotorua, and a small group tour across the Volcano Valley can be booked if you don’t have your transport. If you plan on self-driving, make sure to leave early. The parking lot near the attraction does fill up quite quickly.
Where to stay in Rotorua
Best Value
What guests loved about it:
Great location, close to town and local attractions.
Top Rated
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Homely atmosphere and the warm welcome from the local hosts.
For Luxury Fans
What guests loved about it:
Secluded location yet still close to the main attractions.
What are Wai-O-Tapu’s highlights?
The eruptions in Wai-O-Tapu aren’t like those in Hawaii, for example, where molten lava flows into the ocean. They are mainly observed as gaseous expulsions from vents, cauldrons, and colourful geothermal pools.
The distinct sulphur smell, similar to that of rotting eggs, will accompany you throughout your visit to this fascinating natural wonder.
1. The Champagne Pool
One of the most iconic photo spots on New Zealand’s North Island, the Champagne Pool, gets its name from the abundance of carbon dioxide, which resembles a glass of bubbling champagne.
The vivid Dali-esque champagne pool is caused by the water’s high sulphur content combined with the ferrous salts.
The leading line of the orange sulphur deposit, coupled with plumes of pungent steam, is sometimes difficult to photograph because steam constantly hovers on the surface of the water.
The crater that holds the pool is 65m (213ft) in diameter and roughly the same depth. Be careful; falling in means certain death! The pool keeps at around 73C (163F) by geothermally heated water entering its depths at 260C (500F). I imagine being cooked alive isn’t the best way to die.
2. The Devil’s Bathtub
This deep crater was created from an underground eruption like a melted emerald bathtub. It turns out Lucifer doesn’t like bubbles, rubber ducks, and sponges but rather bathing in stinky sulphur in a bottomless pit. The iridescent lime colour comes from the sulphur floating on the surface. I’ve never seen anything like it before.
3. Lady Knox Geyser
Wai-O-Tapu has several active geysers, the most famous of which is the Lady Knox geyser. It can spurt over 20m high and erupt for over an hour.
Unlike the geysers I’ve seen in Iceland, which discharge continuously, the Lady Knox geyser is forced to erupt every day by a park ranger and a bag of soap.
If this weren’t done, the geyser would naturally erupt every 24 to 48 hours at sporadic intervals. The show starts at 10:15 daily, but if you want front-row seats, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes beforehand.
4. Ngakoro Lake
My favourite, Lake Ngakoro, turns from a dull olive green into iridescent acid green when the sunlight breaks through the clouds. It’s the furthest viewpoint away from the visitor centre but worth the 45-minute walk.
5. The mud pools
Don’t let the name ‘pool’ fool you. You won’t be able to swim in it. Located a short 5-minute drive away from the Wai-O-Tapu’s entrance, the bubbling, coughing, spitting mud pools are fun to watch. The area is well-signposted and impossible to miss.
Do I have to hike?
The walkway around Wai-O-Tapu is mainly along a well-maintained boardwalk (just like in the photo above). There are 3 intertwined routes: 1.5km, 2km, and 3km, which take 30 minutes, 40 minutes, and 75 minutes, respectively.
Upon purchasing your admission, you will receive a map. Everything is well signposted. Just follow the numbers. The path is adorned with informative signs at most craters and pools.
Are drones allowed in Wai-O-Tapu?
This is a commonly asked question. Similarly to many other places in New Zealand, drones are not allowed in Wai-O-Tapu unless previous arrangements have been made. Fines for flying drones in prohibited zones in New Zealand are pretty hefty, so make sure you obey the rules.
How do I include Wai-O-Tapu in my trip to New Zealand?
Wai-O-Tapu features on all of my New Zealand North Island Itineraries. If you’re coming to this part of the world, the itineraries will help you plan your epic road trip.
If you found this helpful, book your Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland tour here. Booking through Get Your Guide won’t cost you anything extra, but I get paid a small commission for every booking you make. This helps me create useful guides like this one.
Do you have any questions about visiting Wai-O-Tapu or travelling around New Zealand? Post them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to answer!
Hey! Do you have to book this in advance? And is all the places included in the one ticket?
Regards, Frida
Hi Frida. No, you can purchase tickets at the entry and yes everything was included in the price. If you want to see the geyser you need to be there a little earlier to secure a sitting spot.
for Wai-O-Tapu’s, if I have my own transport do I still need to book tour tickets for the park?
Hi there! You can use your transport and just get the tickets at the entry.