Craters of the Moon - photos

Volcanic View	Volcanic Landscape	Volcanic Landscape	Boardwalk View
Boardwalk	Walkway	Steam	Fumerole
Steam	Fumerole	Shop	Boardwalk
Steam	Crater Wall	Expansive View	Expansive View
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About Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon is a thermal reserve located 10 minutes north by car from the township of Taupo. Access to the reserve is on the opposite side of the entrance to the more popular Huka Falls off State Highway 1. Craters of the Moon is part of Wairakei which is the the largest geothermal field in the country and forms part of the greater Taupo Volcanic Zone.

Inside the reserve there are brightly coloured craters, boiling water, bubbling mud pools, and hissing vents that shroud the area in steam. On a cloudy day, steam and low cloud mix to give an otherworldly appearance.

Many specially adapted shrubs and other small plants grow in this extreme environment. A circuit of boardwalks and paths weave among the vegetation and between volcanic attractions. The well constructed path which is wheelchair accessible helps protect this fragile environment and stops visitors from wandering off into dangerous areas. It takes around 45 minutes to complete the circuit with an extra loop track to a lookout takingt another 20 minutes.