Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave

Amazing place! This is the only geothermal park where dogs are allowed (on a leash only). It is a self-guided walk that is approximately 2 km, accessible via a short 2-minute boat trip. The price is very fair.

Thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Surreal environment and scenery. I really loved that it was completely natural with beautiful native forest surroundings. There is clearly a lot of effort put in to keeping it so stunning and keeping weeds out. Truly magical. I also enjoyed eating at the Cafe afterwards and buying some souvenirs for family at home. The staff were friendly and helpful. I'm so glad I chose this geothermal park!

This place is magic during the winter season. Crossing the river on the boat felt like you were heading to Jurassic park, and when you do land you are instantly struck with awe and wonder, when you see the steaming cliffs. Took me 2 hours to complete. Take plenty of water, because you can get dehydrated very easily, and the you will feel the heat in and around the geothermal area's. There are no toilets once you cross over too. Will come back again one day.

Very beautiful and interesting geothermal area. A small ferryboat takes you over the water to a steaming landscape, just follow tha boardwalk for amazing sights. Nice café and friendly staff. Very tasteful layout.

We visited four different thermal attractions while visiting the region - Orakei Korako, Wai O Tapu, Te Puia and Craters of the Moon. All are interesting and have their own positives and negatives, but Orakei Korako was absolutely our favourite. I think what set it apart was the peacefulness. We visited in July and, even in Winter, both Wai O Tapu and Te Puia were quite busy. Orakei Korako was much quieter. Aladdin's Cave and the terraces were the highlights of our visit. Having the boat shuttle you over to the island really adds to the experience and makes the whole thing a little more unique. The staff are also lovely and very helpful with information about the park. There are a number of steps, mostly on wooden boardwalk. Wear good walking shoes. There are no toilets in the park so use the facilities before you board the shuttle. If we had to recommend a single thermal park of all that we visited, this would be the one. This attraction is very much under rated - possibly as it's a little out of the way and not on the standard tourist route. Absolutely worth the effort to make the journey if you are travelling from Rotorua to Taupo or even as a day trip from either.

There are a few natural sites in New Zealand that will totally amaze you and ask yourself why travel abroad when we have these at our doorstep! Totally amazing! 634 steps around one of the wonder's of New Zealand from hot water coming out of the ground to boiling mud pools elephant shaped rock to an impressive cave! I also loved the boat ride over the waikato river to get there!. Massive friendly guide to speak.

Highly recommended. A little off the beaten path, but that also means it's much quieter than some other pieces. There's a well maintained 2.5km walk (with lots of steps!) that winds past colored terraces, boiling water pools, mud pots, and a cave. There's helpful signs along the way, including info about some of the foliage. The boat trip over is very short, and happens on demand.

Well worth a visit. A boat takes you across a small lake to the park which has 2.5km of beautifully maintained boardwalks and tracks. There’s bubbling water and mud as well as plenty of steam vents. For anyone in a campervan, you can camp in the lake front car park for free before or after visiting the park. The cafe has food and coffee.