Read what our visitors have to say about Orakei Korako and their experience here.
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This was my first visit to a geothermal park and for me it was fantastic.
On arrival it was pleasing to see that there were no coach parties and the experience from that point on was totally relaxed and quiet.
For me the experience is bettered by the fact that there are no crowds and you are at your leisure to walk and observe, this was how it was and we loved it.
It was the last day of our trip and, having already seen some geothermal areas and spent a fair bit, my husband and I weren't sure whether we should go to Orakei Korako. However, the photos and descriptions on their website convinced us to give it a try, and we are so glad we did!
We bought our tickets online to get the 10% discount then just had to the staff our reference number and email address. We had lunch at the café then caught the ferry across the lake. It's beautiful just to look at from the café and boat but gets even better once you land.
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.
It almost feels like you are on a different planet. We were the first ones there that day and we enjoyed the silence, preferring to listen to Mother Earth and the birds. The walk has parts that are a little steep but there are plenty of rest areas and a visitor can take their time.
Coming from a city state where we grew up not being to experience nature’s wonders, this visit was a real treat for both the husband and I. Tickets can be purchased very easily at the visitor’s centre, after which, you will need to take a small boat across the river to embark on the hike.
