Orakei Korako is a geothermal park and cave on Orākei Kōrako Road, in the Hidden Valley between Taupo and Rotorua. The website says it has up to 23 active natural geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and large silica terraces. The Ruatapu Cave goes down more than 36 metres to a hot pool called the Pool of Mirrors. A native bushwalk runs through the valley, and dogs are welcome.
Admission includes the boat trip across Lake Ohakuri and entry to the valley and cave. The ferry runs on demand from 8am, with the last trips at 4pm. The site is about 25 minutes' drive from Taupo and 45 minutes from Rotorua. Visitors can also reach it by shuttle, float plane or helicopter. The MudCake Café serves lattes, baking and wine, and the visitor centre has free wi-fi. Bookings are valid for up to a year from the date of purchase.