Craters of the Moon Tours

Craters of the Moon showing mist or fog and tranquil scenes
Craters of the Moon
Craters of the Moon featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes
Craters of the Moon as well as a small group of people
Craters of the Moon featuring mist or fog, landscape views and tranquil scenes


Experience a strange volcanic landscape where steam clouds swirl in the air and mud pools pop and boil beneath your feet.

Craters of the Moon is an otherworldly landscape of craters and steam vents where hissing clouds of steam rise into the air and hot mud bubbles beneath your feet. Explore this geothermal hot spot by taking the boardwalks and tracks to the edges of large craters.

Craters of the Moon emerged in the 1950s when locals noticed that the earth here was heating up and emitting clouds of steam. Boiling mud craters and other volcano-like phenomena also began to appear. The cause was the nearby geothermal power station lowering the underground water pressure. This activity brought about the drastic changes to the landscape that you can see today.

Get close to the vents and craters from the safety of the walkways which lead to viewing platforms. Listen to the hissing sound of sulphuric steam clouds as they escape from vents in the ground. The scene can appear quite eerie with mists swirling around, a feeling that is enhanced by the minimal vegetation in the area.

Give yourself at least 45 minutes to walk the trail loop through the cratered valley and a further 20 minutes if you want to climb to the upper lookout. The routes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels and have assisted wheelchair access.

The geothermal attraction is located in the Great Lake Taupo region, approximately 4 miles (7 kilometers) north of Taupo. If you are driving, take the exit off State Highway 1 and park in the attraction’s car park.

Craters of the Moon is open every day except Christmas Day, from morning until early evening. Admission charges apply with discounts for family tickets and children aged between 5 years and 12 years. Those under the age of 5 get in for free. Before your visit, go to the thermal park’s website to download the free app. It contains maps, stories, video clips and fascinating facts about the area.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Craters of the Moon

Wairakei Resort Taupo

Wairakei Resort Taupo

4 out of 5
640 Wairakei Road, Wairakei
Wairakei Resort Taupo
Huka Lodge

Huka Lodge

5 out of 5
271 Huka Falls Road, Wairakei
Huka Lodge
2 Bedroom Cottage near Huka Falls

2 Bedroom Cottage near Huka Falls

3 out of 5
56 Huka Falls Road, Rangatira Park, Taupo
2 Bedroom Cottage near Huka Falls
Grandeur Thermal Spa Resort

Grandeur Thermal Spa Resort

3 out of 5
281 Spa Rd, Taupo, Waikato
Grandeur Thermal Spa Resort
Beechtree Motel

Beechtree Motel

4.5 out of 5
56 Rifle Range Road, Taupo
Beechtree Motel
Lakefront Lodge Taupo

Lakefront Lodge Taupo

3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace, Taupo
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Annandale Accommodation

Annandale Accommodation

3 out of 5
71 Acacia Bay Rd, Taupo, Waikato
Annandale Accommodation
Taupo Panorama - Lake Taupo Holiday Home

Taupo Panorama - Lake Taupo Holiday Home

Taupo Central
Taupo Panorama - Lake Taupo Holiday Home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Craters of the Moon

When visiting Craters of the Moon in Wairakei, indulge in various activities such as fishing, relaxing at a spa, or experiencing the thrill of skydiving. Explore stunning tour sites, embark on outdoor adventures, enjoy movie nights under the stars, and access scenic hiking trails. For the daredevils, cliff diving offers an exhilarating experience amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Recreation

Experience the beauty of Wairakei International Golf Course, just 0.9 miles from Craters of the Moon, offering a refreshing outdoor golfing experience. For relaxation, visit Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley, 2 miles away, where you can unwind in soothing thermal pools amidst stunning landscapes.

Adventure

Experience relaxation at Taupo Hot Springs, a family-friendly waterpark located 4 miles from Craters of the Moon. For thrill-seekers, Rock’n Ropes offers an exhilarating zipline and ropes course 2 miles away. If you're up for adventure, Topgun Paintball, 9 miles away, promises an action-packed day.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Craters of the Moon offers fun for the whole family! Visit Mind Junction, an arcade and adventure zone just 5 miles away, or head to The Landing Lake Taupo, located 6 miles away, for more arcade excitement and adventure vibes.

Find the best attractions near Craters of the Moon

When visiting Craters of the Moon in Wairakei, Waikato, New Zealand, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, including stunning waterfalls, relaxing hot springs, and the nearby marine park. This destination offers adventure and family-friendly experiences, making it perfect for all types of travelers. Don't miss the chance to visit the Moon National Monument for an unforgettable adventure in this unique landscape.

  • Huka Falls: Located 1 mile from Craters of the Moon, Huka Falls is a breathtaking waterfall that captivates with its romantic ambiance and adventure vibes. The thundering cascade, surrounded by lush landscapes, creates an exhilarating outdoor experience perfect for photography and exploration.
  • Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa: Situated 2 miles away, this stunning hot spring destination offers wellness and relaxation amidst beautiful natural terraces. Enjoy soothing thermal pools while taking in the serene outdoor surroundings, making it an ideal spot for rejuvenation.
  • Spa Thermal Park: Also 2 miles from Craters of the Moon, this family-friendly marine park features geothermal wonders and adventure activities. Enjoy exploring scenic trails, hot springs, and fun for all ages in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Craters of the Moon

To save money on your trip to Craters of the Moon, consider visiting between May to June or August, when prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Tuesdays typically offer the best rates, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's tools to filter by budget and hotel type, and look for package deals that combine flights and accommodations for extra savings. Joining the One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and future cash rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Craters of the Moon are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Craters of the Moon is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Craters of the Moon is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Craters of the Moon is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you customize your travel experience by choosing your budget, preferred destination, and various other criteria. You can easily arrange your search results from the lowest to highest prices, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you have the ability to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Craters of the Moon with your flights and activities by choosing an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.