Craters of the Moon

2.1 km of walkway guide you though the fumaroles, craters and mud pools of this extraordinary geothermal landscape. Marvel at the plants surviving in this extreme ecosystem. (free entry - open every day). *A fumarole (Latin fumus, smoke) is an opening in a planet's crust which emits steam and gases.
Associated with the Craters of the Moon are popular cycle trails in the Wairakei Forest: a series of purpose-built windy trails for all levels of ability through mostly pine forest. Bike Taupo will charge $40 for an annual membership to ride the Craters of the Moon tracks from January 1,2014 using the money raised to fund the upkeep of the 90km stretch of New Zealand Cycle Trail it looks after.