A less crowded and wonderful geothermal gem

I would assume not many tour groups get taken here as it is a bit out of the way -- about half way between Taupo and Rotorua. So most of the visitors probably have their own transport which results in a lot less people on site. At least, that was the case when we were there mid-afternoon on a glorious hot day in early March when there were probably no more than 15 other people visiting. It's easy enough to find with GPS or Google Maps, and there is plenty of parking by the Waikato River. The reception/shop/ticket office is tastefully done, and from here you jump on a small shuttle ferry across the river to where you walk around the geothermal site. It all feels very well managed and less touristy than many of the more visited sites in this region.

The Orakei Korako walk itself is perfectly wonderful and you will see glorious silica terraces, hot pools, vibrant colours and active geysers, and there's a cave at the top of the hill worth going to. It is all well signed, and has a good pathway or boardwalk throughout. Allow a couple of hours at least to fully enjoy the area. I don't think you will regret making the journey to get there. We loved it, and recommend it highly.