Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
Silica terraces and adults-only pools fed by the Wairakei geothermal field near Taupō.
Cloudyskye
- Bathing
- Outdoor
- Established
- 2002
Wairakei Terraces uses mineral water from the Wairakei geothermal field to rebuild something New Zealand lost: silica terraces of the kind destroyed at Pink and White Terraces. Water flows over the man-made formations and cools into a series of quiet, adults-only pools set among native bush and steam.
Balnevia view
Why visit
It pairs bathing with a serious geothermal and Māori cultural story, and the no-children rule makes it one of the calmest thermal experiences on the Volcanic Plateau.
The water
Thermal water
- Source
- Wairakei geothermal field
- Mineralisation
- Silica-rich alkaline chloride water
- Character
- Geothermal water high in dissolved silica, which precipitates to build the terraces before the water cools into the bathing pools.
History
The Wairakei field became the world's second geothermal power station in 1958, which altered the valley's natural geysers and springs. The terraces were built from 2002 onward, encouraging silica to deposit again, and a Māori cultural centre and carved village were added alongside them.
Practical information
Adults only (14 and over); towels are available and swimwear is required. Silica water can mark jewellery and swimsuits.
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Getting there
About 10 minutes north of Taupō off State Highway 1, near the Wairakei power station.
Location
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