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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.