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 lies within the Taupo volcanic zone that extends from three active volcanoes, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro in the south to White Island in the Bay of Plenty in the east.
Its landscape can be traced back over 700 years.
Underground geothermal activity along the belt shows itself on the surface as fumaroles, geysers, mud pools and hot springs.
Most spectacular was the Karapiti Blowhole that attracted visitors for the past 200 years. Its towering steam plume was so tall that Māori used it as a landmark when navigating their waka across Lake Taupo. Other than the Blowhole itself, thermal activity near Karapiti was restricted to small areas of warm soils and mud pools.
As a result of the development of the Wairakei power station in the 1950’s the underground pressures declined, resulting in extensive changes to the geothermal springs and geyser activity. The power station started using underground resources that affected landscape and thermal activity at the Craters of the Moon site.
At Karapiti the existing steam-heated features rapidly increased in intensity and a number of new eruption craters and steaming fumaroles were formed.
By 1965 the heat output from the Karapiti area had increased by almost ten times. From 1965-2002 there were more than 20 steam eruptions, occurring roughly every two years, creating the mysterious landscape that led to the name “Craters of the Moon”.
In 1987 the Karapiti Blowhole collapsed, and the most active steam vents migrated to the hillside nearby where they can be seen closeup from the viewing platform.
Computer models predict that with continuing operation of the Wairakei power station and reinjection of the cooled geothermal fluids, the thermal activity at Karapiti will gradually decline.
However, measurement of the actual heat flow at Karapiti showed minimal change from 1980 until the most recent measurement in 2004.
Since 2002 there have been no more hydrothermal eruptions at Karapiti. However there remain large areas where temperatures reach boiling point only 20 cm below the surface with very active steam vents in the north and western parts of the site, and the possibility of further eruptions cannot be discounted.
Visitor access became possible in the 1980’s when the Department of Conservation built boardwalks and facilities to allow safe access to view the hot thermal features.
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 site is managed by the Craters of the Moon Trust who operate under a permit from the landowners, Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
Entry to Craters of the Moon thermal walk is through the kiosk beside an extensive car park. Picnic tables and seats within the park have been installed for visitor use. Visitors can browse the souvenir and gift shop, where light refreshments are available.
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.
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Will I see mud during the summer months?In the height of summer, you will find steam and impressive craters, and a leisurely walk, with ice blocks and ice cream to reward yourself at the end, but not mud. If you are lucky enough to see mud in summer, it probably rained ALOT all week. If you are looking for mud we suggest: Orakei Korako, Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu etc. over in Rotorua (less than an hours drive away). If you're coming in winter/autumn/spring, you may get lucky and see some mud, just keep in mind, for mud to be bubbling, there needs to be lots of rain.
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