We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Wairakei Geothermal Power Station

SH1, Taupo, New Zealand
07 378 0254
Update attraction details
Ranked #13 of 21 attractions in Taupo
Type: Educational Sites
8 visitor photos
Write a Review

14 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    4
    7
    2
    1
    0
Date Rating
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Top Contributor
153 reviews 153 reviews
65 attraction reviews
Reviews in 99 cities Reviews in 99 cities
82 helpful votes 82 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2013

Since visiting the thermal region and all thermal parks we also wanted to have a guided tour of the thermal power plant. However this required booking one day ahead , NZ$ 180 and another NZ$20 per hour. For only two persons that was very expensive and there was no group reservation we could join. We took the road and visited... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by huys25 for Taupo
Adelaide, Australia
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 March 2013

The Wairakei Geothermal Power Station is worth seeing, it is free and is the first commercial geothermal power station in the world. There are some explanatory boards that explain the process. It is not very enthralling for young children.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Ivan_J_R for Taupo
Brisbane, Australia
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 February 2013

My host at Twynham bed and breakfast in Kinloch gave me a tour of the geothermal station. Elizabeth used to work there and was a wealth of knowledge. I really enjoyed the visit and finding out more about this area. Well worth a visit and there is a small visitors centre.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by MadelineW1948 for Taupo
Reporoa, l, New Zealand
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 January 2013

wow.huge place and we got to go inside to see where it all started and to view photos of all the infrastructure they have done.an absolute amazing wealth of knowledge the guide had to share with all the kids and parents.fabuous experience thank you x

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Rhonda H for Taupo
Panama City, Panama
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 December 2012

There are tours but they are privately book at least a day in advance and very expensive $185 base plus $40 a hour for your guide. You can ask at the visitor info center in Taupo if you’re interested. It is too bad as it would be a great place to teach people about geo thermal power.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by amicaTheWorld for Taupo
Brisbane, Australia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 December 2012

Couldn't find the tour- asked around and locals said no longer exist. And the tourist centre has been closed for a while.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by Wendy L for Taupo
wairoa
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 July 2012

Wairaki is aworking thermal power station. the guide was pleasant and knowlegable. If you don't like noise don't visit but if you do visit you will learn a lot about the commodity that we take for granted

Was this review helpful? Yes
Rotorua, New Zealand
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2012

My son is into power stations, pipes, steam, drains etc so what better way kill a number of birds with one stone! Its aneasy drive from rotorua and just off the main state highway -you cant miss it as its certainly visible from the road. There is an easy drive all the way up to the lookout with photo opportunities... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Singapore
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2012

If you're on your way down to Taupo and have some time to spare, you can take some time (10-15mins or so) to stop by the lookout of the wairakei geothermal power station. Visited in April 2012, so if my memory serves me right, this is one of the older geothermal stations still in operation today (hope I'm not wrong!),... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by Marc91C for Taupo
Taupo, New Zealand
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2012

Great to look at the power stations, really interesting

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by nzeder for Taupo

Travellers who viewed Wairakei Geothermal Power Station also viewed

 
Taupo, North Island
 

Been to Wairakei Geothermal Power Station? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Wairakei Geothermal Power Station, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing