Craters of the Moon
Clouds of Swirling Steam...
Close to Taupō and accessible off SH1, Craters of the Moon ('karapiti') is an active geothermal field. The terrain is filled with exposed steam vents and is constantly shifting, collapsing and reforming, giving an uninhabited appearance. Thermal mud pools bubble away and plants not normally native to our area thrive in this hot and partly noxious environment.
Boardwalks and pathways have been created to lead spectators safely through the area, making sure the fumes and hot temperatures around the steam vents are no danger to the tourists in this well-visited spot.
The Craters of the Moon started to appear from 1950 as a result of utilizing the underground thermal energy in the Wairakei Valley. This area used to contain light geothermal activity until the construction of Wairakei Geothermal Power Station, approximately 2000 metres north of the field. The power station lowered underground water levels and the fumaroles and mud pools became more active. There was less water to cool the magma and the ground cavity which was previously full of water is now full of high pressure sulphurous steam.
Craters of the Moon is a place you must visit, with its desolate moonscape and clouds of swirling steam. It is a formidable volcanic example of the inner earth’s fiery inferno bursting forth!
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Find Great Lake Taupo
A Mountain Biker's Dream
On the edge of the Craters of the Moon thermal wonderland lies some of the best mountain biking you’ll ever find. There are many options in the forest, native bush and thermal vents, not all of which are obvious at first glance. There are pockets of brilliant flowing trails designed by the Taupō bike club. The pumice soil and wind and rain protection of the forest make for great year round riding. Whether you’re a novice rider just starting out on trails like “Tourist Trap” or “Ferret”, taking the family out for a ride, or you're a seasoned pro riding the likes of “Better than P” and “Grinder”, you’ll find these trails amazing!
