{"id":694,"date":"2021-11-15T15:48:16","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T15:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/"},"modified":"2024-08-22T11:38:07","modified_gmt":"2024-08-22T10:38:07","slug":"wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/","title":{"rendered":"The Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland &#8211; New Zealand&#8217;s Geothermal Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/#Wai-O-Tapu_Overview_Admission_fee_and_opening_hours\" >Wai-O-Tapu Overview: Admission fee and opening hours<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/#How_do_I_get_to_Wai-O-Tapu\" >How do I get to Wai-O-Tapu?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/#Where_to_stay_in_Rotorua\" >Where to stay in Rotorua<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/#What_are_Wai-O-Tapus_highlights\" >What are Wai-O-Tapu&#8217;s highlights?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/#1_The_Champagne_Pool\" >1. The Champagne Pool<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/#2_The_Devils_Bathtub\" >2. The Devil&#8217;s Bathtub<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/#3_Lady_Knox_Geyser\" >3. Lady Knox Geyser<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/#4_Ngakoro_Lake\" >4. Ngakoro Lake<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/#5_The_mud_pools\" >5. The mud pools<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/#Do_I_have_to_hike\" >Do I have to hike?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/#Are_drones_allowed_in_Wai-O-Tapu\" >Are drones allowed in Wai-O-Tapu?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/#How_do_I_include_Wai-O-Tapu_in_my_trip_to_New_Zealand\" >How do I include Wai-O-Tapu in my trip to New Zealand?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>The Taupo Volcanic Zone has one of the highest geothermal activity ratings in the world. It lies in the beating heart of&nbsp;<strong>New Zealand\u2019s North Island<\/strong>&nbsp;and stretches from Mount Ruapehu into the Pacific Ocean past White Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wai O Tapu\u2019s<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\u00a0whimsically named Thermal Wonderland is a series of\u00a0brightly coloured geothermal pools, stinky sulphur mud baths, and explosive geysers located<\/span>\u00a0directly in the middle of this volcanic zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wai-O-Tapu_Overview_Admission_fee_and_opening_hours\"><\/span><strong>Wai-O-Tapu Overview:<\/strong> Admission fee and opening hours <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Admission&nbsp;Fee&nbsp;(2023):&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NZD 32.50 per adult,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NZD 11.00 per child (5-15),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NZD 85.00 per family (with 2 or 3 children)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Opening Hours:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last admission 3:00 PM)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12003918599\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_get_to_Wai-O-Tapu\"><\/span>How do I get to Wai-O-Tapu?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-7-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Guide to visiting Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland in New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-13958\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-7.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The closest city is\u00a0Rotorua, 30 minutes (30km)\u00a0drive away.\u00a0Taupo\u00a0is around\u00a055km\u00a0from the park&#8217;s entry and takes\u00a0an hour. It\u2019s straightforward to find and well-signposted when driving along this road.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tours depart from Taupo and Rotorua, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/rotorua-l1398\/rotorua-wai-o-tapu-waimangu-volcanic-valley-morning-tour-t150029\/?partner_id=TYYOXUU&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=Wai-O-Tapu\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/rotorua-l1398\/rotorua-wai-o-tapu-waimangu-volcanic-valley-morning-tour-t150029\/?partner_id=TYYOXUU&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=Wai-O-Tapu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">a small group tour across the Volcano Valley<\/a> can be booked if you don\u2019t have your transport. If you plan on self-driving, make sure to leave early.\u00a0The parking lot near the attraction does fill up quite quickly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_stay_in_Rotorua\"><\/span>Where to stay in Rotorua<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-contrast-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-contrast-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Value<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/ambassador-thermal-motel.en.html?aid=1188554&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/ambassador-thermal-motel.en.html?aid=1188554&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ambassador Thermal Motel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What guests loved about it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Great location, close to town and local attractions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-contrast-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-contrast-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top Rated<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/karanda-bnb.en.html?aid=1188554&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/karanda-bnb.en.html?aid=1188554&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Karanda BnB<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What guests loved about it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Homely atmosphere and the warm welcome from the local hosts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For Luxury Fans<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/peppers-on-the-point-lake-rotorua.en.html?aid=1188554&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/peppers-on-the-point-lake-rotorua.en.html?aid=1188554&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Peppers On The Point Lake<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What guests loved about it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Secluded location yet still close to the main attractions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12003918899\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_Wai-O-Tapus_highlights\"><\/span>What are Wai-O-Tapu&#8217;s highlights?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-22-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13965\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-22-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-22-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-22-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-22.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The eruptions\u00a0in Wai-O-Tapu\u00a0aren&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The distinct sulphur smell, similar to that of rotting eggs, will accompany you throughout your visit to this fascinating natural wonder.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12003919099\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_The_Champagne_Pool\"><\/span>1. The Champagne Pool<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-18-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13959\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-18-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-18-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-18-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-18.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/photography-spots-north-island-new-zealand\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"684\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> the most iconic photo spots <\/a><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/photography-spots-north-island-new-zealand\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">on New Zealand\u2019s North Island<\/a>, the Champagne Pool, gets its name from the abundance of carbon dioxide, which resembles<\/span> a glass of bubbling champagne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vivid Dali-esque champagne pool is caused by the water&#8217;s high sulphur content combined with the ferrous salts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The crater that holds the pool is 65m (213ft) in diameter and roughly the same depth. Be careful; falling in means certain death!\u00a0The pool\u00a0keeps at around 73C (163F) by geothermally heated water entering its depths at 260C (500F). I imagine being cooked alive isn&#8217;t the best way to die.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12003919299\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_The_Devils_Bathtub\"><\/span>2. The Devil&#8217;s Bathtub<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-23-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13960\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-23-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-23-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-23-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-23.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This deep crater was created from an underground eruption like a melted emerald bathtub. It turns out Lucifer doesn\u2019t 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\u2019ve never seen anything like it before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12003919499\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Lady_Knox_Geyser\"><\/span>3. Lady Knox Geyser<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13962\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike the geysers I\u2019ve seen in&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/iceland-travel-guide\/\">Iceland<\/a><\/strong>,<a href=\"javascript:void(0);\">&nbsp;<\/a>which discharge continuously, the Lady Knox geyser is forced to erupt every day by a park ranger and a bag of soap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this weren\u2019t done, the geyser would naturally erupt every 24 to 48 hours at sporadic intervals.\u00a0The show starts at 10:15 daily, but if you want front-row seats, plan to arrive\u00a0at least 30 minutes\u00a0beforehand.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12003919799\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Ngakoro_Lake\"><\/span>4. Ngakoro Lake<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-14-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13963\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-14-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-14-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-14-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-14.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>My favourite, Lake Ngakoro, turns from a dull olive green into iridescent acid green when the sunlight breaks through the clouds. It\u2019s the furthest viewpoint away from the visitor centre but worth the 45-minute walk.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12003919999\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_The_mud_pools\"><\/span>5. The mud pools<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"627\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mud-Pools.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13967\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mud-Pools.jpeg 940w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mud-Pools-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mud-Pools-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t let the name &#8216;pool&#8217;\u00a0 fool you. You won&#8217;t be able to swim in it. Located a short\u00a0<strong>5-minute drive away<\/strong>\u00a0from the Wai-O-Tapu&#8217;s entrance, the bubbling, coughing, spitting mud pools are fun to watch. The area is well-signposted and impossible to miss.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12003920199\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_have_to_hike\"><\/span>Do I have to hike?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-17-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13964\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-17-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-17-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-17-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland-17.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The walkway around\u00a0Wai-O-Tapu is mainly along a\u00a0well-maintained boardwalk\u00a0(just like in the photo above). There are 3 intertwined\u00a0routes: 1.5km, 2km, and 3km, which take 30 minutes, 40 minutes, and 75 minutes, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon purchasing your admission, you\u00a0will receive a map.\u00a0Everything is well signposted.\u00a0Just follow the numbers. The path is adorned with informative signs at most craters and pools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"javascript:\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12035225199\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_drones_allowed_in_Wai-O-Tapu\"><\/span>Are drones allowed in Wai-O-Tapu?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a commonly asked question. Similarly to many other places in New Zealand,\u00a0drones are not allowed\u00a0in 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_include_Wai-O-Tapu_in_my_trip_to_New_Zealand\"><\/span>How do I include Wai-O-Tapu in my trip to New Zealand?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Wai-O-Tapu features on all of my\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/2016\/10\/27\/new-zealand-two-week-road-trip-itinerary\/\">New Zealand North Island Itineraries<\/a>. If\u00a0you\u2019re coming to this part of the world, the itineraries will\u00a0help you plan your epic road trip.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you found this helpful, book your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/rotorua-l1398\/rotorua-wai-o-tapu-waimangu-volcanic-valley-morning-tour-t150029\/?partner_id=TYYOXUU&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=Wai-O-Tapu\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/rotorua-l1398\/rotorua-wai-o-tapu-waimangu-volcanic-valley-morning-tour-t150029\/?partner_id=TYYOXUU&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=Wai-O-Tapu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland tour\u00a0here<\/a>. Booking through\u00a0Get Your Guide won\u2019t cost you anything extra, but I get paid a small commission for every booking you make. This helps me create useful\u00a0guides\u00a0like this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do you have any questions about visiting Wai-O-Tapu or travelling around New Zealand? Post them in the comments, and I&#8217;ll be happy to answer!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Taupo Volcanic Zone has one of the highest geothermal activity ratings in the world. It lies in the beating heart of&nbsp;New Zealand\u2019s North Island&nbsp;and stretches from Mount Ruapehu into the Pacific Ocean past White Island. Wai O Tapu\u2019s\u00a0whimsically named Thermal Wonderland is a series of\u00a0brightly coloured geothermal pools, stinky sulphur mud baths, and explosive &#8230; <a title=\"The Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland &#8211; New Zealand&#8217;s Geothermal Experience\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wai-o-tapu-thermal-wonderland\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about The Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland &#8211; New Zealand&#8217;s Geothermal Experience\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13969,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[120],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-zealand-travel-tips-and-activities","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/694","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=694"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/694\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28138,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/694\/revisions\/28138"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=694"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=694"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}