We were here in winter, and so perhaps that is why there were very few visitors when we were here. I am glad for that -- We are from New York, and had never seen a landscape like this. Teen boys stunned -- that says something. "Bush walk" at end of trail route as amazing as all the geothermal activity.... More

This was a must see, you can see the amazing hidden valley.The Thermal valley was awesome, never seen anything like it in all my travels. Staff were great, knowleagable and attentive to boot. Go see!!

Orakei Korako is a great day trip, you are taken by boat over to the thermal wonderland, walk around mud pools, past geysers, over colored pink rock, and down into a cave. This is a must to visit.

Orakei Korako is a spectacular geothermal area with a variety of colorful silica terraces, steaming hot pools, mud pots, and geysers. The trail is well-marked with good signage. It's an indescribably beautiful place that makes you feel like you're on another planet! Allow at least two hours to explore the site. We felt rushed because we didn't arrive until 3:00... More

They say you find the best gems in hidden valleys off the beaten track. This certainly was one of those. Being well signposted and having an accurate map made the walk an amazing, informative and memorable experience. One of the ones I will remember and recommend.

Spent a couple of hours enjoying the thermal wonderland of Orakei karako with my long time friend Ray Cole who commented that he hadn't seen anything like it in his life (not bad at 85 years). Easy walking, spectacular views and a great deck and cafe to relax and take in the views across the lake.

We took our kids in the school holidays and it was quiet. A real hidden gem. Fabulous facilities, nice cafe and very clean toilets and friendly staff who love what they do. A short boat trip across the river and then a very well developed and signposted walk. The kids really enjoyed it. The walk is uphill but not too... More

Gorgeous place and well worth the stop. Venture into a well self-guided tracks and very informative thermal wonderland. We were the only 2 left on the 'island' (you feel almost like you're arriving at Jurassic Park when it's overcast we thought) and it was a gorgeous afternoon walk. Easy pathways and lovely staff to get you there and back.

loved the ferry trip and the off the beaten track element- not at all crowded Sadly the mudpools were rather dry since NZ was very dry but I don't expect that could be avaoided