Wairakei Resort Taupo
by the TopOfHotel team
Wairakei Resort is a large resort in the geothermal belt — natural mineral pools and a top-10 golf course, a few minutes from Huka Falls.
Wairakei Resort is a large resort in the geothermal belt — natural mineral pools and a top-10 golf course, a few minutes from Huka Falls.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Wairakei Resort spreads across 14 hectares in the Wairakei geothermal area north of Taupo, where natural hot springs run beneath the ground. Rooms come in several tiers — Standard, Superior, Premium and separate Villas — and reviewers steer you toward a refurbished room, since the older rooms haven't been renovated yet. The Villas work well for a bigger family or a group of 4-6, with their own kitchen and a separate sitting area.
Food and amenities
The pull here is the mineral pools, drawn straight from the geothermal springs. There are several of them at different temperatures — some for kids, some for adults who just want quiet — and the on-site spa does mineral-water treatments plus a geothermal mud wrap that's a bit of a signature. Food is covered by two restaurants, a bar and a cafe, and there's a tennis court and bikes to borrow.
Location and getting there
The resort sits next to Wairakei International Golf, an 18-hole course rated among the top 10 in New Zealand — and the Stay & Play package costs noticeably less than booking golf on its own. It's 3 km (about 5 minutes) from Huka Falls, close to Craters of the Moon, and roughly 8 km from central Taupo, which works out to a 10-minute drive into town.
Things to know before booking
That distance from town is the main trade-off — at 8 km out, you'll really want a car to come and go easily. Some of the buildings are older, so ask for a refurbished room rather than taking your chances. And the Wi-Fi is patchy in parts of the resort, which matters if you need to stay connected.
Our take
Wairakei Resort is the pick for families, golfers, and anyone who wants natural mineral pools close to Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon. It's a little out of town, but it packs everything into one 14-hectare property, with rooms from about $109 a night.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- Natural mineral pools drawn straight from the Wairakei geothermal springs, open 24 hours so you can soak under the stars.
- Sits right next to Wairakei International Golf, an 18-hole course rated among the top 10 in New Zealand, and the Stay & Play package works out cheaper than buying golf separately.
- Spread across 14 hectares, with enough open ground for kids to run around and short walking trails inside the property.
- Just 3 km (about 5 minutes) from Huka Falls, and close to Craters of the Moon.
- Two restaurants, a bar and a cafe on site, plus a tennis court and bikes to borrow.
- It's 8 km from central Taupo, so a car makes the stay much easier — figure on a 10-minute drive into town.
- Some of the buildings have been around a while and aren't renovated yet, so it's worth asking for a refurbished room when you book.
- Wi-Fi is unreliable in parts of the resort, which is worth knowing if you need to work.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Taupo
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Insider Tips
- Book a refurbished room — the difference from the older rooms is significant.
- Take the Stay & Play golf package rather than paying for rounds separately; it works out cheaper.
- The mineral pools are open 24 hours, so a late-night soak under the stars is the move.