Lake Taupo

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Craters of the Moon

Clouds of Swirling Steam

Close to Taupo 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 tourist in this well-visited spot.

As a result of utilizing the underground thermal energy in the Wairakei Valley, the Craters of the Moon started to appear from 1950. 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 it's desolate moonscape and clouds of swirling steam. It is a forbidding volcanic example of the inner earth’s fiery inferno bursting forth.

Craters of the moon Craters of the moon 26, July 2010

craters of moon vertical 28, July 2010

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A Mountain Bikers 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 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 Taupo 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 a seasoned pro riding the likes of “Better than P” and “Grinder”, you’ll find these trails amazing. 

Craters of the Moon bike trails map

Watch a Video of Craters of the Moon

 

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