Orakei Korako

The thermal wonderland of Wai O Tapu, midway between Taupo and Rotorua, may be the more famous geothermal site, but the hidden Orakei Korako is worth a visit to escape the crowds. Located across serene Lake Ohakuri (there's a ferry boat that runs visitors over on demand, not a set schedule), this field is a steaming, stunning reminder of the area's geothermal activity.

Visitors walk on wooden paths along the terraced fields, ranging in color from deep purples to chalky whites, alongside bubbling hot pools and craggy fault scarps covered by steam. Orakei Korako has 35 live geysers, and if you're lucky you can witness Diamond Geyser spew boiling water high into the sky. The self-guided walk takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend at each area. The native bush and trees, looking like the set from Jurassic Park, is also impressive.

Orakei Korako is located a 30-minute drive north of Taupo and from Huka Lodge and Acacia Cliffs Lodge.