Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk

Fitness level low
Intensity level low
See all photos
5.02 reviews

Highlights & inclusions

Worlds youngest geothermal system
Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake
NZ Eco-Tourism Award Winner
Views of Volcanic craters & native bush
Regenerating native New Zealand wildlife
Explore a selection of walking & hiking trails

Select travellers & date

Select Travellers
Select date

What you can expect

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.

Location

What you need to know

Inclusions
  • __Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self-Guided Walk__
  • Self guided walk
  • Courtesy return shuttle back to the entrance & between points through the valley
  • 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
  • Waimangu App with visitor guide and augmented reality features __Full Waimangu Experience__
  • Self guided walk
  • Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise – please advise your arrival time when booking so we can check boat availability
  • Courtesy return shuttle back to the entrance & between points through the valley
  • 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
  • Waimangu App with visitor guide and augmented reality features
Extras
  • Food can be purchased from the Waimangu cafe
Highlights
  • Discover the world's youngest geothermal system
  • Explore a selection of walking & hiking trails at your own space
  • Learn about the Mount Tarawera & Pink and White Terraces
  • See unique geothermal activity including the crystal blue Inferno Crater, and Frying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot spring
  • Regenerating native New Zealand wildlife and unique thermally adapted plants
  • Multiple New Zealand Eco-Tourism Award winner
Time
  • __Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self-Guided Walk__
  • 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).
  • Open from 8.30am daily, last entry 3.30pm __Full Waimangu Experience__
  • Easy walks of varying lengths along crater walkways, mainly downhill and flat, with an optional easy
  • Self-Guided Walk and Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise arrival time - 8.30am (for the 10.25am Boat), 9.30am (for the 11.25am Boat), 11.00am (for the 1.10pm Boat), 12.00pm (for the 2.00pm Boat), 12.45pm (for the 2.50pm Boat) and 1.45pm (for the 3.40pm Boat)
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
  • Drink bottle
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
  • Some, but not all areas are wheelchair accessible. Shuttle bus and boat require wheelchair users to transfer. Please contact us to discuss requirements.
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

Recent reviews

52 reviews
5

My husband and I had visited different volcanoes these few days

My husband and I had visited different volcanoes these few days. We had expected the walk would not be impressive but the cruise might give us something new to see. Out of our expectation, the walk was really wonderful. Different to other volcanoes, we saw beautiful trees around the lake which was smoky on the water surface. The whole scene was fantastic. The path provided many different perspectives for us to take photos. Besides the lake and stream, there are also black swans and other birds. Overall, the staff were very helpful and cheerful. The food at the cafe was tasteful and provided us a warm refresh of energy.

Ella Lam over 5 years ago
5

I was lucky enough to visit this volcanic valley in May for the first time and my god...how cool!!

I was lucky enough to visit this volcanic valley in May for the first time and my god...how cool!!! The best thing about this place is that it has not been commercialised but is purely about the volcanic valley and all the living flora, fauna and microcosms that are part of this volcanic valley. There are plants,mosses and all sorts of wonderful things I have never seen and it is very pre-historic. If you like nature and are interested in the history of plants and what was, you would LOVE this. Our guide wasn't the best guide to be honest. His facts were great but delivery not so much. It didnt spoil it for us though. Really really cool!

Woody almost 9 years ago

Need help?

  • Email us at enquiry@experienceoz.com.au
  • Help code: D2B-15AF
  • This experience is supplied by Waimangu Volcano Valley including Walk and Optional Cruise

Sustainability

Our Promise

  • We are committed to sustainability
  • We have an approved Science Based Target
  • We use third party verified standards
From
$38.64AUD
or 4 x $9.66 with more info
Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to experience
Experience Oz

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connections and continuous care for the skies, lands and waterways throughout Australia.