Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley

Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley

Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley
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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles398 reviews
Excellent
157
Very good
133
Average
54
Poor
20
Terrible
34

SamanthaBlossom
New Zealand103 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written 24 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tony J
Barnstaple, UK55 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Family
We wandered off the tourist track to find this gem of a campsite with its own Thermal Valley and animal park. The thermal valley has its own charm and is a wonderful example of geothermal activity both before and after the development of the local Geothermal power station. There are some poignant photographs in the cafe of Victorians visiting the Geysers. We really enjoyed exploring the valley which is more personal than a large commercial venture.
We were delighted when we were invited to feed the animals their breakfast. It was such a fun and varied menagerie, my 6 year old son, partner and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters of the cheeky black sheep, feeding the lamb and the determined goat , along with all the chickens and other animals.
We enjoyed chatting with the owners whom were helpful, informative and interesting to talk to with a fun sense of humour.
We will always remember our stay here.
Thank you so much and Happy New Year. Best wishes for a fabulous 2020.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Colin W
New Plymouth, New Zealand169 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Phil D
5 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
I have driven past the sign for this valley all my life and never visited. I guess my expectations were much higher, but there was simply not much to look at. Geothermal activity was almost non-existent. Quite apart from that, the place isn’t well maintained and tracks are at times treacherous (a strip of old plastic danger tape all that separates you and a 50 foot drop); particularly for those with young mobile children. They probably need to focus on one thing; the campground, the petting zoo or doing some work on the tracks. Cafe looked uninviting and empty. Better to spend a few dollars less up the road at the craters of the moon!
Written 4 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SHBBB
Cape Town Central, South Africa450 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
This site is definitely off the beaten track. We arrived at the reception and there was not many cars. The one guy in the reception having a rest was actually the one that took the money. He was funny in his own way and explained where to go with a map that we could take along. It was a nice walk although lacking a bit of upkeep and at places one can see the toll of time. There is not too much activity anymore but there are some very nice sites. We enjoyed the singing cliffs which is a feature where hot air comes out of a formation of rock. There is a trail at the top of the track that goes on but not sure for how long… We completed the circular walk in just under an hour.
Written 8 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Yariv
Tel Aviv, Israel34 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Family
We found this place while searching for night stop out of tourist track.
Campermate applucation and its reviews brought us in.

It is a must visit especially with kids.
John and Chris the hosts are very friendly and interesting.

Place itself is nature sorrounded with many animals, if you have campervan/motorhome/tent must stay at least a day.

There are extras:
* Morning animal feed, geese, lamb, pig, chickens.
* Coffee place and conversation with hosts.
* Thermal reserve.
Entrance through coffee place
Ask for manual thermometer, kids love it.
Payment 5 per adult 2 per child.

Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Catherine E
Beaconsfield, UK146 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Solo
Don’t waste $12 on this. There are just a few bits of steam coming out of the ground. You can’t get anywhere close to anything. The walking path is overgrown and a pain to navigate through particularly if it’s wet. There is one big long path that you can go off and walk along but it’s a dead end. Maybe there used to be something to see there but there isn’t anymore. Owners need to take some pride in their attraction and get it back on track although there is little actual volcanic activity here.
Written 1 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mortelad51
Napier, New Zealand112 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shar Y
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

wigfieldperth
Perth33 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2012 • Family
This is a copy of the letter of complaint I've written to the owners. This place is horrible and the whole experience really upset us and put us right off of Taupo. For us Taupo seemed full of robbing business owners - waiting to prey on passing tourists:-( Not the New Zealand dream - for sure!

The brown tourists signs led us to Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley.

The sign outside of the cafe instructed us to ‘enquire at cafe for details of the thermal walk’ (no admission prices were mentioned)!

The cashier informed us of the price.

We thought it too expensive.

As we walked away the cashier told us ‘to go on – get back into your little car and go’ (in a most sarcastic manner).

We suggest you provide you cashier with immediate training on how to deal, politely, with the general public.

Your prices should be clearly visible, to enable customers to make a decision prior to reaching your rude cashier; allowing them, the option, of retreating your overpriced walk without being caused embarasment.

Your prices should be reduced!
Written 27 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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WAIRAKEI NATURAL THERMAL VALLEY (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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