Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
December 2024
2. Select participants
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
- 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
- Food can be purchased from the Waimangu cafe
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- Please note that it will not be possible to use the cafe 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.
- 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
Ella Lam
over 6 years ago
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.
Woody
over 9 years ago
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!