Package: Waiotapu & Rapids Jet
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
Waiotapu was famous solely for its natural beauty – one of the most photographed geothermal fields in the world. However, in addition to its beauty, Māori narratives, history, kai (food) and people are becoming more deeply bound to the Waiotapu experience and this is expected to intensify over time. Waiotapu features Aotearoa’s most vivid and colourful ngāwhā (hot springs), including the world-famous Champagne Pool, volcanic craters, the Lady Knox Geyser, Primrose Terrace, naturally coloured hot and cold pools, sinter terrace formations and the country’s largest bubbling mud pool.
Rapids Jet Taupō
Across 35 minutes, we traverse white-water rapids and straightaways on this thrilling encounter, reaching up to 80 kms even through the river’s narrowest canyon. Our experienced and passionate drivers will jet spin, bank, and master hairpin turns before surfing the powerful Ngā Awa Pūrua Rapids.
In the quieter sections of our mighty river, we share stories of Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whāoa. Our river is a life source of whakapapa (genealogy) and kai and has been an arterial route for trade and connection to whānau (family) for hundreds of years.
North Island
Central North Island
Volcanic Air
Te Pā Tū
Waiotapu
Rapids Jet
Chris Jolly Outdoors
Kohutapu Lodge & Whirinaki Rainforest
All Haurere businesses are Qualmark members, New Zealand tourism’s mark of quality.