Story: Geothermal energy

Roadside Stories: Geothermal power at Wairākei

When completed in 1963, Wairākei was one of just two geothermal power stations in the world. However, it has adversely affected the surrounding thermal area – tourist attractions such as the famous Wairākei geyser and Champagne Pool have come to a halt, and the land is sinking. A nearby prawn farm takes advantage of heat from the power station’s waste water.

Listen to a Roadside Story about Wairākei. Roadside Stories is a series of audio guides to places around New Zealand.

Archival audio: Archives New Zealand – Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga. People of the Waikato. National Film Unit, 1956.

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How to cite this page:

Carol Stewart, 'Geothermal energy - Wairākei geothermal power station', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/35255/roadside-stories-geothermal-power-at-wairakei (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Carol Stewart, published 12 Jun 2006