ADMISSION PRICES AND OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
Craters of the Moon is open 364 days of the year (closed Christmas Day)
Opening Hours
9:30am to 5pm
With last entry being 4pm.
ADMISSION PRICES
Adult - $10.00 per person
Child - $5.00 per child (5 to 15)
Under 5 years - Free
Family - $25 per family
(2 adults & maximum of 4 children)
Taupo Locals 1/2 price with proof of address
Craters of the Moon is now a smokefree and vapefree site.
HISTORY OF
CRATERS OF THE MOON
Craters of the Moon is a landscape of thermal activity that can be traced back over 700 years.
Most spectacular was the Karapiti blowhole that attracted visitors for the past 200 years. Its towering steam plume was known to be so tall that Maori used it as a landmark when navigating their waka across Lake Taupo.
In the 1950’s the Wairakei geothermal power station started nearby using underground resources. That affected landscape and thermal activity at Craters of the Moon site. By 1960, thermal craters and widespread steam vents emerged. Karapiti’s heat flow had increased ten times.
The mysterious landscape led to the name “Craters of the Moon.”
Since then, there have been changes to the site. Thermal steam vents in some areas have become subdued while others have become active.
In 1987 Karapiti collapsed giving rise to the most active steam vents that can be seen on the hillside.
Visitor access became possible in the 1980’s when Department of Conservation built an access road and visitor facilities.
In 1991 a group of volunteers, organised by Jeremy Nash, began to watch over the site, originally operating out of a caravan and supported by donations.
This was so successful that the site evolved by adding an off-grid kiosk and souvenir shop, with entry fees going towards maintenance of the walkways and facilities.
Today the area is managed by the Craters of the Moon Trust who operate it under a Permit from the landowners, Ngati Tuwharetoa.
Visitors can enjoy light refreshments available at the kiosk and picnic areas within the park.
Kiosk Car Park
Upper walkway
Add 20 minutes to walk to the lookout. It’s a moderate walk with numerous steps. The view makes it well worth the effort!
Main walkway
40 minute loop walk
An easy grade suitable for most people of all ages. Track surface is a mixture of fine gravel and wooden boardwalks.
Main crater
Measuring 40m across, this is the largest crater in the park - its hard to miss!
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We arrived early in the morning to avoid crowds. By the time we left two hours later, it was busy. We commenced our walk and enjoyed seeing the thermal activity: steam, boiling water and mud. The paths were well signed and maintained. This walk can be done at your own pace and there are seats along the way should you need a rest. The views up the hill are also worth the walk to get there. The staff at the shop were also very welcoming and helpful, answering our questions before we went in.
PATRICIA , AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 18
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Are dogs allowed at Craters of the Moon?No dogs are not allowed at any time on the walk for health and safety reasons.
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Is the path wheelchair accessible?Wheelchairs are permitted but some areas of the path are more difficult to navigate than others. The path is mostly boardwalk but it is recommended that you have a person to assist in areas where there is a gravel path.
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Can you use a childrens pushchair or pram?Pushchairs are fine on the lower, mostly flat loop track, but not recommended for the steeper lookout track.
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Is there public transport to and from the Craters of the Moon?There is no bus service at present, but a taxi can be arranged by the kiosk staff if you wish to arrange transport back to the township of Taupo.
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Where can I buy tickets for entry?Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk at the start of the walk.
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Do I need to pre-book?Bookings are not necessary, although if you are a large group it is advisable to let us know ahead of time.
WHERE TO FIND US
171 Karapiti Road,
Wairakei Park,
Taupo 3377
+64 276 564 684
TRAVEL ROUTES
From the North
When approaching from the north, at the ETA roundabout at State Highway 1 & 5, take the Wairakei Park exit and travel along Wairakei Drive. On your right, soon after the Wairakei International Golf Course you will see the sign to Craters of the Moon.
Take care when turning right across the highway into Karapiti Road. Travel 1.7 km to the road end to arrive at the carpark of Craters of the Moon geothermal walk.
From the South (Taupo town centre)
When approaching from the south, travel 5.5 km north from the Taupo iSite along Wairakei Drive.
Turn left onto Karapiti Road. Travel 1.7 km to the road end to arrive at the carpark of Craters of the Moon geothermal walk.
Craters of the Moon is open 364 days per year (closed Christmas Day)
OPENING HOURS
9:30am to 5pm
With last entry being 4pm.
CONTACT US
KIOSK CONTACT
+64 276 564 684
POSTAL ADDRESS
Craters of the Moon Trust,
PO Box 18,
Taupo 3351