Lonely Planet 2012 Review

Lonely Planet's latest review of Orakei Korako describes us as follows:

A bit off the beaten track, Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park gets fewer visitors than other thermal areas. But, since the destruction of the Pink and White Terraces, it is arguably the best thermal area left in NZ, even though three-quarters of it now lies beneath the dam waters of Lake Ohakuri.

A walking track that’s steep in parts largely follows a boardwalk around the colourful silica terraces for which the park is famous, and passes geysers and Ruatapu Cave (allow 1½ hours). This impressive natural cave has a jade-green pool, thought to have been used as a mirror by Maori women preparing for rituals (Orakei Korako means ‘the place of adorning’).

Entry includes a boat ride across Lake Ohakuri. It’s about 35 minutes to Orakei Korako from Taupo.