Visit Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park

Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park provides a unique geothermal experience your whole family - even the dog - can enjoy. Below you can find all you need to know about planning a visit to one of New Zealand's most incredible natural attractions.

• Prices
• Driving Directions
• Transport to Orakei Korako
• On Arrival at Orakei Korako
• Opening Hours
• Exploring the Geothermal Area
• Safety
• Walk Your Dog

Orakei Korako, also known as The Hidden Valley, is located somewhat "off the beaten track", between Taupo and Rotorua.

Prices

Adults: $49
Children (16 & Under): $23
Families (2 Adults & 2+ Children): $132
Under 6's are free

Please note that bookings have flexible dates and are valid for up to a year from the date of purchase.

Driving Directions

If driving from Rotorua, travel down State Highway 5. The turnoff to Orakei Korako is 3km south of Golden Springs. Turn right on to the Tutukau Rd, travel 16kms then turn right onto Orakei Korako Rd, travel 5kms to the end of the road. Approximate driving time from Rotorua is 45 minutes.

If driving from Taupo, head north on State Highway 1in the direction of Hamilton. The turnoff to Orakei Korako is 14kms from the junction of State Highways 1 and 5 at Wairakei. Turn right on to Tutukau Rd, travel 9kms then turn left onto Orakei Korako Rd, travel 5kms to the end of the road. Approximate driving time from Taupo is 25 minutes.

Alternatively, put your current location into the 'Get Directions' text field on the right (above the map).

GPS Coordinates Lat 38 deg 28.429 S / Long 176 deg 8.582 E  (-38 28.429, 176 8.582 / 38°28'25.7"S 176°08'34.9"E).  Please note that some GPS units seem to have our location wrong.  Make sure your unit is sending you to the location shown in the map on this page.

Transport To Orakei Korako

Transport services are available to Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park. Please click on the following services for more information or alternatively contact us for more help:

By Air:

• Taupo Float Plane
• Rotorua Volcanic Air Safaris

Please note that there is no public boat ramp at Orakei Korako. There is a public ramp at Tutukau Bridge on Tutukau Road, five minutes' drive from the The Hidden Valley.

Book your tickets now!

Admission prices include the short ferry trip across the lake from the Orakei Korako Visitor Centre to the geothermal attraction, along with entrance to the valley and cave. The ferry runs on demand each day from 8am, with the last trip to the valley at 4pm. Bookings are not required but can be made in advance. All quoted prices are GST inclusive.

If you live locally, you'll receive a 10% discount on your first visit, but please enquire about our Frequent Visitors' Pass. This entitles the holder to a 20% discount on subsequent visits and free entry on future visits when you bring a paying guest.

On Arrival at Orakei Korako

The geothermal field at Orakei Korako is only accessible by boat - a short ferry ride across the lake from the Visitor Centre to the geothermal field. The ferry fare is included in the admission fee. Our boats do not run on a timetable but leave on request throughout the day.

You may visit the geothermal valley as soon as you arrive, but you're also welcome to start by browsing the souvenir shop, picking up a copy of the Orakei Korako book or enjoying coffee and a bite to eat at our MudCake Café (currently only open weekends with limited options).

Opening Hours

Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park is open to the public from 8am with the last boat leaving for the thermal area at 4pm.

The average sightseeing time is 1-2 hours, but visitors often like to spend the morning or afternoon wandering this geothermal wonderland.

We are closed Christmas Day.

Exploring the Geothermal Area

The self-guided walk around the geothermal area is mostly across boardwalk track.  It usually takes 1 - 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. The walk has a 'medium' difficulty rating, and can be completed by most 3 - 80 year olds.  There are several steps on the walk so it is not suitable for wheelchair or stroller.

All paths that lead to the Visitor Centre are wheelchair friendly, so anyone can enjoy tasty treats and stunning views from the café.

Baby backpacks for under twos are available free of charge. You don't need special footwear for the walk, but we do advise taking plenty of fluids in the warmer months. Our café has a range of chilled drinks.

Thermal areas are natural phenomena and should be treated as such.  As long as you stick to the pathway at all times and keep a close eye on young children, Orakei Korako provides a safe, family-friendly environment.

All hot pools at Orakei Korako reach boiling temperatures, so swimming in the hot pools isn't possible.  We do have a beach on the lake's edge you are able to enjoy a cold swim in summer.

Safety

While we do our utmost to ensure your safety the area can be dangerous with boiling water and bubbling mud pools across the park so it is imperative that you follow the guidelines to keep safe.

1. Always stay on the boardwalks or marked paths.
2. Do not drop or throw items anywhere in the park - apart from making an unsightly mess, you may get boiling water splashed back at you.
3. After heavy frosts, areas that don't see the sun can stay icy so please take care. Our staff will inform you before you land if there have been heavy frosts.
4. After heavy rain, the boardwalks and tracks may become slippery so please take care.
5. During the summer it is essential to have water or liquid refreshment. If you haven't brought a drink with you, they can be purchased from the café.

Walk Your Dog

Dogs are welcome at Orakei Korako provided your pet is on a leash at all times and any messes that may occur are cleaned up. It is the owner’s responsibility for the care of their dog and to make sure the dog is safe with other people along the walk.