Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk
Wander a free geothermal reserve of steaming craters, boiling mud, and surging vents created when the Wairakei geothermal power station altered underground pressure.
- 1
Craters of the Moon Entrance
This geothermal field appeared in the 1950s when nearby power extraction changed underground pressure — now a free-entry reserve of extraordinary volcanic activity.
- 2
Main Crater Boardwalk
A well-maintained boardwalk loops past dozens of steaming craters, some hissing loudly, others just gently breathing sulphurous steam into the cool air.
- 3
Large Boiling Mud Pool
The largest mud pool in the reserve throws large blobs of grey mud into the air — the viscosity changes with rainfall, from watery soup to thick porridge.
- 4
Summit Crater Viewpoint
The highest point of the loop gives a bird's-eye view of multiple craters and steam vents — on cold mornings the entire valley is shrouded in geothermal mist.
- 5
Active Vent Field
A field of closely packed steam vents that hiss constantly, their steam visible from the road — one of the most actively venting areas in the reserve.
- 6
Bush Return Trail
The return section of the loop passes through native bush regenerating on the edges of the geothermal field, where native birds call from the tree ferns.
Walk this route with audio
Stories play automatically as you reach each stop — no tapping needed.
