01
Primrose Terrace
10 mins
This is the largest sinter terrace in New Zealand. It is coated in delicate, rippling layers of silica. Walk slowly alongside the edge to admire the fragile formations built up over thousands of years.
Explore
Walk 2 and Walk 3: The Extended Loops
Continue past the main circuit to explore deeper craters, delicate terraces, and quiet lakes. These further pathways extend your total walk to 3 kilometers.
Taking the extended loops adds about 45 minutes to your visit. This brings your total track length to 3 kilometers, requiring about 75 minutes to complete all three walks.
These outer tracks are much quieter than the primary red loop. You must stay on the clearly defined wooden boardwalks and marked tracks at all times due to unstable ground.
02
Echo Lake
5 mins
Echo Lake is a highly acidic pool surrounded by native bush in the further reaches of the park. This area is much quieter than the main loop. It provides a peaceful place to avoid the larger crowds.
03
Lake Ngakoro Waterfall
10 mins
This small waterfall drops into the green-tinted waters of Lake Ngakoro. It marks the furthest point in the park along Walk 3. Pause here to watch for birds and observe the surrounding native flora.
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Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua, New Zealand1 h to 2 h 4.6 (3,839)from $29
