Wairakei Travel Guide

Explore Wairakei

Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa

Soak in these mineral-infused hot springs to truly immerse yourself in the Māori traditions and incredible scenery of the Taupo region.

Huka Falls

Whether viewing from a boat, bridge or the riverbank, this set of waterfalls is a spectacular sight as a huge body of water surges forward and downward.

Craters of the Moon

Experience a strange volcanic landscape where steam clouds swirl in the air and mud pools pop and boil beneath your feet.

Aratiatia Rapids

The power of nature is unleashed when dam gates open and a torrent of water surges along the riverbed.

Taupo Museum and Art Gallery

Browse and purchase fascinating pieces of art and go on an exciting cultural journey at this popular museum and gallery.

Taupo

Set in a geothermal landscape, overlooking New Zealand’s largest lake, it’s only logical that Taupo is a hot item on the North Island’s tourist trail.

Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave

Walk through a volcanic landscape to see large silica terraces, mud pools and the only geothermal cave in New Zealand.

Waiotapu

We’re putting the challenge out there: visit Wai-O-Tapu and see how quickly your photos of this Thermal Wonderland become your desktop wallpaper.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Just a short drive from the busy city is one of the most fascinating areas of geothermal activity in New Zealand.

Where to stay in Wairakei

Suncourt Hotel & Conference Centre

14 Northcroft Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Lake Taupo, Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, and Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp. Taupo Museum and Art Gallery and Spa Thermal Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Beechtree Motel

56 Rifle Range Road

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Taupo motel is located near the airport, within 1 mi (2 km) of Lake Taupo, Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, and Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre. Spa Thermal Park and Taupo Bungy are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Lakeland Resort Taupo

282 Lake Terrace

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Two Mile Bay, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Lake Taupo, Three Mile Bay, and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens. Taupo Hot Springs and Four Mile Bay are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Hilton Lake Taupo

80-100 Napier Road

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Hilltop, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Taupo Hot Springs and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens. Taupo Bungy and Golf Club Taupo are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Millennium Resort Manuels

243 Lake Terrace

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Waipahihi, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Taupo and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens. Three Mile Bay and Taupo Hot Springs are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Colonial Lodge Motel

134 Lake Terrace

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Taupo, this beach motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Lake Taupo, Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, and Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp. Taupo Museum and Art Gallery and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

76 Napier-Taupo Road, SH 5

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Taupo holiday park is located near the airport, within a 15-minute walk of Taupo Hot Springs and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens. Lake Taupo and Three Mile Bay are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Lake Taupo Motor Inn

33 Kaimanawa Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Lake Taupo, Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, and Taupo Museum and Art Gallery. Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp and Spa Thermal Park are also within 1 mi (2 km).

The Reef Resort - Heritage Collection

219 Lake Terrace

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Waipahihi motel is within a 15-minute walk of Lake Taupo and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens. Three Mile Bay and Taupo Hot Springs are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Barcelona Motel

21 Taniwha Street

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Taupo, this motel is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Taupo Bungy and 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Taupo Hot Springs. Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Alpine Lake Motor Lodge

141 Heu Heu Street

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Executive Motel Taupo

114 Lake Terrace

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Taupo motel is in the entertainment district and within 2 mi (3 km) of Lake Taupo and Taupo Bungy. Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Wairakei

While an unlikely holiday destination at first sight, Wairakei’s powerful natural features can sooth the soul.

Explore Wairakei

Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa

Huka Falls

Craters of the Moon

Aratiatia Rapids

Taupo Museum and Art Gallery

Taupo

Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave

Waiotapu

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Where to stay in Wairakei

Suncourt Hotel & Conference Centre

Beechtree Motel

Lakeland Resort Taupo

Hilton Lake Taupo

Millennium Resort Manuels

Colonial Lodge Motel

Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

Lake Taupo Motor Inn

The Reef Resort - Heritage Collection

Barcelona Motel

Alpine Lake Motor Lodge

Executive Motel Taupo

Cities near Wairakei

Taupo

Waiotapu

Turangi

Rotorua