Wairakei Terraces

The Wairakei Terraces in Taupo, New Zealand, are the crowning jewel in our mystical landscape and are a tribute to the natural terraces and geysers that once existed here at Wairakei prior to the region geothermal power development.

Embrace the healing benefits of the geothermal and mineral-rich water. Wairakei Terraces is a holistic, wellness experience nestled in the Wairakei geothermal valley. Embraced by native bush and blessed with natural silica pools.

All the pools are adults-only, so proof of age may be required if staff believe a person to be under the age of 14. The full Wairakei experience is one of calm and tranquillity, where the sounds of native birdsong are in harmony with cascading and flowing water, a gushing geyser and billowing steam.

There are four pools which are all different temperatures. What is warm to one person may be hot or cold to another. This is why the four pools are each heated to varying degrees of comfort.

In addition to the pools is the self-guided terrace walk, which provides a window into the unique geothermal wonderland of our rohe (region). Walk along Te Kiri o Hinekai stream and hear native birdsong in harmony with the natural surroundings of cascading and flowing water, a gushing geyser and billowing steam.

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Intricate carvings posted throughout the walk connect you to te ao Māori (the Māori world) and local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Tūwharetoa. A man-made geyser is fed by superheated fluids that come from depths of over 1.5kms and pressures of 250 thousand pounds per square inch.

Silica-enriched water flows from the geyser into blue pools and cascades over the terraces, depositing large amounts of silica to form amazing terraces reminiscent of the original pink and white versions of Tarawera; which were once touted as the true eighth wonder of the world.

Take a walk and experience it for yourself or plunge in the pools and relax.