Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley
Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley, Taupo: Address, Phone Number, Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley Reviews: 4/5
Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley
Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley
4
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Top ways to experience Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
115 within 5 kms
Industrie - French kitchen
85
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • French • Cafe
Columbus Coffee
34
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe
The Local Diner
13
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • American • Diner
Bistro Lago
657
1 km$$$$ • European • Contemporary • New Zealand
Mole & Chicken
329
2 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • New Zealand
KY Fast Food Takeaway
19
1.7 km$ • Quick Bites • Chinese • Seafood
Edgewater Restaurant
256
2.2 km$$$$ • European • New Zealand • Vegetarian Friendly
Grasshopper Too
37
2 km$ • Quick Bites • Chinese • Fast food
The Bakehouse Cafe
2
1.8 km
Espresso Cove
16
2.2 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • European • New Zealand
Attractions
27 within 10 kms
Wairakei Geothermal Power Station Visitor Center
92
7.6 mEducational sites
Formula Challenge Racing
142
2 kmAuto Racing Tracks
Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
181
1.6 kmGardens
Lake Taupo
545
3.7 kmBodies of Water
Lake Taupo
338
3.9 kmBodies of Water
Spa Thermal Park and Riverbank Recreational and Scenic Reserve
384
4.3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations
Maori Rock Carvings
468
3.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Huka Falls tracks
6,316
Hiking Trails • Waterfalls
Taupo Museum
227
4 kmSpeciality Museums
Huka Falls
298
Waterfalls
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Popular mentions
4.0
397 reviews
Excellent
157
Very good
133
Average
54
Poor
20
Terrible
33
SamanthaBlossom
New Zealand105 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
Firstly, I'm so glad I read a review about a grumpy older man before we got here! My husband and I just visited this place today, and unfortunately we didn't find it worthy of the top ten recommended attractions in Taupo.
We brought our 7 month old daughter here, and initially I was really excited - there are lots of beautiful farm animals.
However, as soon as we got out of the car, an old guy yelled out from a deck of the cafe asking us to confirm that we were there for the thermal walk. He charged $10 per adult (even though the sign says $5) and then sent us on our way, but as we hadn't had lunch yet we were hoping to eat first (I'd even called ahead and the answer machine said that the cafe was open). The cafe, however, was dark and deserted and he wouldn't let us in. He said we could get a slice 'or something' to take away. I asked what other food they do, and he didn't offer a menu - just rattled off a few things. In the end we got one toasted sandwich and one scone, and he charged us $16. He could have charged us whatever he wanted; we didn't get to see any prices for the food.
The thermal walk itself was interesting, with some beautiful native bush and fascinating formations, but the greeting we got had set the tone for our trip there, and we didn't feel particularly welcome. After the walk we took our baby to see some of the animals, but were very aware of the guy watching us, so we left quite quickly.
It's such a shame - it has a lot of potential, but we felt like we were a nuisance rather than welcomed visitors. We wouldn't go back.
We brought our 7 month old daughter here, and initially I was really excited - there are lots of beautiful farm animals.
However, as soon as we got out of the car, an old guy yelled out from a deck of the cafe asking us to confirm that we were there for the thermal walk. He charged $10 per adult (even though the sign says $5) and then sent us on our way, but as we hadn't had lunch yet we were hoping to eat first (I'd even called ahead and the answer machine said that the cafe was open). The cafe, however, was dark and deserted and he wouldn't let us in. He said we could get a slice 'or something' to take away. I asked what other food they do, and he didn't offer a menu - just rattled off a few things. In the end we got one toasted sandwich and one scone, and he charged us $16. He could have charged us whatever he wanted; we didn't get to see any prices for the food.
The thermal walk itself was interesting, with some beautiful native bush and fascinating formations, but the greeting we got had set the tone for our trip there, and we didn't feel particularly welcome. After the walk we took our baby to see some of the animals, but were very aware of the guy watching us, so we left quite quickly.
It's such a shame - it has a lot of potential, but we felt like we were a nuisance rather than welcomed visitors. We wouldn't go back.
Written 24 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Viv M
Napier, New Zealand112 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Off the beaten track a little on an unsealed road that has a few pot holes. But well worth the visit. An ‘au naturelle’ track is part of the appeal. Nothing too spectacular but a nice walk and gets you up close and personal with some of nature’s little wonders. Very secluded and sheltered with a cafe, camp grounds and a range of free range animals. Enjoyed the visit after passing the entrance for many years and wondering where it led, and well worth the reasonable entrance fee.
Written 4 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shar Y
2 contributions
Jul 2021
If you love animals, camping, good coffee, cake, thermal activity and nature, this is a lovely and rustic place to stop. I camped on a cold winters night and enjoyed the hot shower, warm fire and conviviality and helpfulness of the hosts. Thank you, I wish to come again some day.
Written 15 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ankit
New Zealand19 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
The rude old guy - that’a how I will remember the place.
We got this place after we missed Moon of Crater, but changed our minds. While driving out of this place, my wife decided to take photos of garden fouls and lamb - I think any international tourist would naturally take photos like she did. So she steps outside as I sit in my car and wait.
Within 2 min I see an old guy from the office coming towards me and then tells me taking photo of animals is $5 as maintaining them, feeding them costs hundred of dollars. I agreed with him, the apologised as I never knew taking a photo costs $5. I promised to pay him, drove car back to his office.
I waited in my car. My wife took her visa card and went inside the office to pay.
CLIMAX - The old gentlemen now demands her that she pays $10 instead of $5 because I have watched her hens and lamb too while I was driving.
Such a s*#%t excuse from what seemed a learned man.
My wife paid out of respect and we drove back home. We have such parasites, looting tourist in the name of “Visit Taupo and buy Local”
WILL NOT ADVISE OR RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!
but will cherish the costliest photos taken!
We got this place after we missed Moon of Crater, but changed our minds. While driving out of this place, my wife decided to take photos of garden fouls and lamb - I think any international tourist would naturally take photos like she did. So she steps outside as I sit in my car and wait.
Within 2 min I see an old guy from the office coming towards me and then tells me taking photo of animals is $5 as maintaining them, feeding them costs hundred of dollars. I agreed with him, the apologised as I never knew taking a photo costs $5. I promised to pay him, drove car back to his office.
I waited in my car. My wife took her visa card and went inside the office to pay.
CLIMAX - The old gentlemen now demands her that she pays $10 instead of $5 because I have watched her hens and lamb too while I was driving.
Such a s*#%t excuse from what seemed a learned man.
My wife paid out of respect and we drove back home. We have such parasites, looting tourist in the name of “Visit Taupo and buy Local”
WILL NOT ADVISE OR RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!
but will cherish the costliest photos taken!
Written 11 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
April N
Christchurch, New Zealand828 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Only a couple of pools here, and when we were their we only had to share with about 5 other couples, so it was very relaxing. So nice not to have lots of kids running around also as it is age restricted.
Written 15 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jan F
New Plymouth, New Zealand30 contributions
Mar 2021
We enjoyed a short walk around the terraces, there was a very impressive geyser which was throwing boiling(?) (very very hot!!!) water up into the air from 1.5km underground & causing waves... This hot water fed the hot stream & the hot pools, which we also visited - definitely recommended, they are very relaxing!
Written 8 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GrantLuisetti
mullumbimby18 contributions
Oct 2020
This is a lovely peaceful walk in the bush. The track is well kept and safe. Its not really a waterfall but still impressive.
Written 22 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Colin W
New Plymouth, New Zealand140 contributions
Sep 2020
This was one of the most pleasant thermal pools I have ever been to/in! No child under 14 allowed so it was very peaceful. 3 pools ranging in temperatures from hot to cool to help the body heal itself. Pools look amazing in their aqua blue colours and I'm sure would be quite stunning in the late evening. If you have any muscle soreness of just need to relax, this is the place to go!
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Louise
Auckland, New Zealand8 contributions
Aug 2020
These hot pools are so amazingly beautiful surrounded in natural bush and the water is really hot! The steam adds so much atmosphere and the silica makes your skin feel great.
Written 7 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hi, Is this attraction fully wheel chair accessible?
Patrick H
Wellington, New Zealand48 contributions
Not really - thermal track walk is a bush track only. The house is accessible from the side but steps inside. Sorry for the delay in responding
Didier2570
Bourail, New Caledonia
Est ce que c'est payant ? merci
don i
Sydney, Australia6 contributions
No, but it is not very expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley
- Hotels near Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley:
- (1.12 km) B&B @ Number Ten
- (0.93 km) Hilton Lake Taupo
- (1.09 km) Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
- (2.12 km) The Reef Resort - Heritage Collection
- (2.12 km) Sacred Waters Apartments
- Restaurants near Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley:
- (0.15 km) Columbus Coffee
- (0.33 km) Industrie - French kitchen
- (0.60 km) The Local Diner
- (1.03 km) Bistro Lago
- (1.99 km) Mole & Chicken