Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 6-Orakei Korako, Geothermal park, Taupo - 4/16/2024

Ōrākei Kōrako, often known as the Hidden Valley, is a stunning geothermal area located in the Taupō Volcanic Zone of New Zealand’s North Island. It lies between Taupō and Rotorua, along the Waikato River and near Lake Ohakuri. Ōrākei Kōrako is famous for its colorful silica terraces, bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and geyser fields. The Emerald Terrace is one of the most notable formations, with vivid mineral colors. Orakei Korako means “Place of adorning” in Maori

Orakei Korako has a well-equipped visitor center that serves as the gateway to its geothermal park.  You buy your tickets inside.

Stone tablet with an inscription located near Lake Ohakuri at Orakei Korako. This tablet commemorates the historical and cultural significance of the site, particularly its importance to the Ngāti Tahu–Ngāti Whaoa people. Orakei Korako has been a place of settlement and refuge for the iwi, with the geothermal springs historically used for cooking and bathing. The area also served as a sanctuary during intertribal conflicts.

Wooden totem, along with a nearby stone tablet, serves to acknowledge and honor the cultural significance of the area to the Ngāti Tahu–Ngāti Whaoa people.

Orakei Korako is accessible only by boat. This ferry service operates on demand and is included in the admission price.

Lake Ohakuri, a serene reservoir on the Waikato River.

 Lake Ohakuri was created in 1961 as part of the Ōhakuri hydroelectric power station project. It's the largest artificial lake on the Waikato River, covering an area of 39 square ft.

Small bridge with stunning view of the lake.

While waiting for our ferry, we ordered a cup of coffee and a Lamington (a classic Australian dessert made of sponge cake that has been dipped in chocolate and rolled in desiccated coconut).

 Time to board the ferry.  The ferry is the sole means of entry to the park.

The ferry crossing is brief, typically taking about 2 to 5 minutes, and offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding geothermal features.

We were the only 2 people inside the ferry.  It is the beginning of winter so there are not a lot of visitors.

The ferry dropped us off on the other side of the lake

Once across, we explored the geothermal park via well-maintained boardwalks that guide us through a landscape of bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and vibrant silica terraces. The self-guided walk usually takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.

Orakei Korako Geothermal Park is divided into three zones, each marked by colored arrows to assist with navigation and emergency procedures. These zones are part of the park's safety protocol, ensuring that in the unlikely event of an emergency, visitors can be directed to the safest assembly points based on their current location within the park .

We are starting with the green zone also known as the Emerald terrace.

The Emerald Terrace is the lowest terrace in the park and is renowned for its stunning jade-green appearance.

Up to 5 milliongallons of silica-enriched water flow over the terrace into Lake Ohakuri each day, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors from tiny organisms thriving in the 45°C waters.

Formed by a significant earthquake in 131 AD, these terraces are adorned with black, green, and yellow algae that thrive in temperatures between 35–49°C.

The Rainbow and Cascade terraces are graced with several small geysers, including the intermittently active Sapphire Geyser.

Golden Fleece Terrace (Te Kapua): This is the third and largest fault scarp in the Hidden Valley, measuring 131 ft.s long and 16 ft. high. Covered in a stunning white sinter coating, it is a testament to the dynamic geothermal processes at work.

The Rainbow and Cascade terraces are graced with several small geysers, including the intermittently active Sapphire Geyser.

Rest area with great view.  In the center you can see the visitor's center on the other side of the lake.

This area provides an opportunity to pause and appreciate the surrounding geothermal features.

The ferry is going back to pick up more customers.

The park 1.6 miles self-guided trail includes numerous stairs, approximately 885 steps in total that tis spread throughout the route. These stairs are interspersed with boardwalks and pathways, offering varied terrain as you explore the park's diverse geothermal landscapes.

Diamond geyser

Diamond geyser erupts frequently and throws water up to 30 ft. into the air. Water erupts in brief, explosive bursts and can last anything from several minutes to several hours. The water temperature of Diamond Geyser is between 70-90°C with a pH of 8.6 - 9.3.

boiling pool

The park is really well maintained and the boardwalks offer visitors a safe and immersive way to explore most active geothermal areas.

The self-guided loop track spans approximately 1.5 miles and the path is on well-maintained boardwalks.

The Golden Fleece Terrace at Orakei Korako, also known as Te Kapua ("The Cloud") in Māori, began to exhibit its distinctive yellow hue in early September 2001. This coloration resulted from the resurgence of thermal water flow over the terrace, which had previously been inactive. As the water resumed its course, it facilitated the growth of microbial mats that thrive in the warm, mineral-rich environment. These microbial communities are responsible for the vivid yellow, green, and black hues observed on the terrace.  We are April so the Terrance is mostly white.

An active geyser in the middle.

Path leading to other part of the park.

NEXT... Orakei Korado continuation