Geothermal Field, Wairakei Tourist Attractions
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Top Tourist Attractions in Geothermal Field
One particular attraction in the Lake Taupo area is the large geothermal field at Wairakei, which lies just under 10km north of the town of Taupo. It is conveniently laid out for visitors traveling by car: the circuit of Wairakei Park (40km) includes so many things to see that a full day should be allowed for the trip.From Highway 1, going north, the Huka Falls Loop Road goes off on the right just beyond Taupo. At the Huka Falls the mighty Waikato River thunders down over an 11m high rock face. Huka Valley, a reconstructed pioneer settlement, offers a presentation of living history.At Honey Hive New Zealand, visitors are given an introduction to New Zealand's highly developed beekeeping industry, and can sample the honey.
Geothermal Power Project
The geothermal power station in Wairekei is part of a whole chain of power stations on the Waikato River.
Taupo Observatory
The new Taupo Observatory of the New Zealand Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences is well worth a visit for the sake of its displays, models and film shows illustrating the volcanic history New Zealand. It provides an excellent introduction to geothermal phenomena and the study of volcanic activity.
Wairakei Thermal Valley
The densely wooded Wairakei Thermal Valley has a variety of post-volcanic phenomena, including a small geyser (which gives rise to a hot waterfall), bubbling mud pools and multicolored mineral deposits.
Craters of the Moon
2km south of Wairakei are the Craters of the Moon, which steam, hiss and bubble and sometimes smell of rotten eggs. For their own safety visitors must keep to the paths.
Aratiatia Dam
5km north of Wairakei is the Aratiatia Dam with its associated power station, the first of a series of hydroelectric stations on the Waikato River. As a result of the diversion of water to the power station the Aratiatia Rapids are now dry; but following demonstrations against the construction of the power station water is allowed to flow in the old river bed.
Wairakei Golf Course
Wairakei has a golf course on which, for a reasonable fee, golfers can play a round in this strange steaming and bubbling landscape.
