Wairakei
Wairakei | |
|---|---|
Rural locality | |
The Craters of the Moon, a steamfield close by, created by the use of geothermal energy changing the underground pressure situation. | |
| Coordinates: 38°37′08″S 176°06′11″E / 38.619°S 176.103°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Waikato region |
| District | Taupō District |
| Ward | Taupō East Rural General Ward |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Taupō District Council |
| • Regional council | Waikato Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Taupō | David Trewavas |
| • Taupō MP | Louise Upston |
| • Waiariki MP | Rawiri Waititi |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.36 km2 (0.14 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2024) | |
• Total | 490 |
| • Density | 1,400/km2 (3,500/sq mi) |
| Postcode(s) | 3332 |
Wairakei is a small settlement and geothermal area 8-kilometres (5 mi) north of Taupō, in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand, on the Waikato River. It is part of the Taupō Volcanic Zone and features several natural geysers, hot pools, boiling mud pools, and the Wairakei Power Station, a major geothermal electric power generating station.
The station was the second large-scale geothermal facility worldwide, and was commissioned in 1958. It was listed in the book 70 Wonders Of The Modern World published in 2000 by Reader's Digest to record The Eventful 20th Century.
The settlement, referred to as Wairakei Village, was constructed to house the workers of both the power station and the neighbouring Aratiatia hydro power station.
From 31 October 2022 it had buses to Taupō, Mondays to Fridays.