Craters of the Moon Taupo

Craters of the moon is a geothermal walk with lunar landscapes in Taupo, New Zealand. Visitors can view thermal activity like steam vents, bubbling mud pools, bubbling craters, thermal pools and colourful soils. The area emerged around the 1950s when a power plant lowered underground water pressure levels resulting in superheated water rising through vents. There are many pathways and elevated viewing positions to observe the geothermal activity. You can also view interesting plants that have learned to grow and thrive in these conditions.

Craters of the Moon is about 5.5km away from Taupo Town Centre. A 45-minute walk takes you around the main pathway of this cratered valley. There is another track to an upper lookout that takes 15-20 minutes extra but is worth the views. The boardwalks and gravel pathways are wheelchair and pram friendly. You can feel the literal heat of the earth and experience hissing steam and geysers. There is very little shade here and high temperatures so it is advisable to pack accordingly.