
Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk
Highlights
What you need to know
Explore and discover the geothermal wonderland that is Waimangu Valley Thermal Park near Rotorua. This unique valley was created by the massive volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886 making it the world’s newest geothermal area. Take an eco-focused nature walk around the valley or choose a more advanced hiking option to enjoy fantastic views over this prehistoric landscape. After your walk you can hop onboard a relaxing boat cruise of Lake Rotomahana to sightsee the unique geothermal activity with full commentary from your skipper.
Learn about the area’s fascinating history, see the colourful volcanic landscape and hear indigenous stories and legends of the area. This iconic New Zealand geothermal attraction features steaming crater lakes, spectacular silica terraces, abundant native flora and fauna and fascinating mineral formations that make it seem like you are exploring another planet.
More info
Inclusions
- Self guided walk
- Courtesy return shuttle back to the entrance after the walk
- Visitor Guide Sheets English, Dutch, German, Chinese, Mandarin, Italian, Korean, French, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Hebrew, Russian, Slav and Hindi
- In addition basic Fact Sheets in Czech, Hungarian and Swedish
Extras
- Boat Cruise on Lake Rotomahana
- Food can be purchased from Café Nature at Waimangu
Highlights
- Beautiful Scenic Reserve covering 175 hectares of volcanic craters and native bush
- Home to amazing Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake
- Self-guided tour with informative guide sheets in many languages
- Multiple New Zealand Eco-Tourism Award winner
Optional Extras
- Boat Cruise on Lake Rotomahana
- Food can be purchased from Café Nature at Waimangu
Tour Times
Waimangu Volcanic Valley (Walking/Hiking)
- Easy walks of varying lengths and duration along crater walkways, mainly downhill and flat, with an optional hike on the Mt Haszard Trail (an uphill bush trail)
- Waimangu is open daily all year from 8.30am. Recommend atleast 2 hours visiting time. Last entry is 3.30pm (4.30pm In January)
Waimangu Walking & Hiking and Boat Cruise
- Easy walks of varying lengths along crater walkways, mainly downhill and flat, with an optional easy hike on Mt Haszard Trail (uphill bush trail), followed by a 45 minute cruise on Lake Rotomahana
Location
- 587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua, off State Highway 5 (main Rotorua - Taupo highway)
- How to find Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Turn left 14kms south of Rotorua off State Highway 5 (Rotorua Taupo highway) and drive 6kms along Waimangu Road to the entrance and carpark.
What to Bring
- Camera
- Rain or sun protection as necessary
- Baby pushchair if needed
- Comfortable clothing
- Good walking shoes with treaded soles recommended
- Hat and Sunglasses
Additional Information
- Please note that it will not be possible to use the café facility for eating food brought to Waimangu. If you want to bring your own food to Waimangu then we will organise the use of one of our picnic areas down in the valley.
- The tour provides all visitor material for self guided walks and the boat cruise in French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Hebrew.
- The standard walk is easy, mostly downhill, suitable for all ages and fitness levels whereas the advanced hiking is an uphill bush trail
Booking Information
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk
587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua, NZ 3073