Situated between Taupo & Rotorua on the banks of the Waikato River (Lake Ohakuri) lies The Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park. Off the beaten tourist track it is at once breath-taking in its beauty, and yet spine–chilling in the might of its unbridled subterranean power. Orakei Korako is reached by a short ferry trip over the tranquil Lake Ohakuri. A leisurely 45-minute drive south of Rotorua or 25-minute drive north of Taupo is all that is required. The Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park is open from 8am till 4.00pm every day of the year. Access to Orakei Korako is by boat. Average sightseeing time is about 1 hour. The tour is self-guided, boats do not run to a timetable, but on demand.