Waimangu Volcanic Valley
If you're in Rotorua and want to enjoy outdoor activitiy combined with unique ecology, botany and stunning geothermal features, then Waimangu Volcanic Valley and its Lake Rotomahana is the 'must do' experience that you can't go past. In geological terms, Waimangu was created this morning! Experience Frying Pan Lake, the world's largest hot water spring; Inferno Crater with its mysterious geyser action; and Cathedral Rocks which vent billowing clouds of steam and more.
Our beautiful valley is huge. As you walk through its green native forests, you'll hear bird song around you, see newly regenerating plant life, find delicate new silica terraces slowly forming, walk pass bubbling hot stream and mud pools, and look down into geothermal craters - but you won't find yourself jostling with other visitors because in our spacious valley there's room for everyone.
Exciting Waimangu is a destination suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with a choice of easy walks, advanced hikes and a boat cruise. Activities range from 45 minutes to over 4 hours:
- Waimangu Walking Tour. Inspect awe-inspiring volcanic activity & thermally adapted plants. Learn the explosive history of Waimangu. Stunning up close detail plus dramatic panoramas. Open 8.30am daily. Last admission 3.45pm (4.45pm Jan).
- Rotomahana Boat Cruise. Cruise on beautiful Lake Rotomahana. Learn the history of the Tarawera eruption & view the lake-edge volcanic activity only seen from the boat. Departs visitor centre daily 10 & 11am, 12.50, 1.30, 2.25 & 3.15pm (4.10pm Jan).
- Waimangu/Rotomahana walk/boat cruise. Follow crater walkways at leisure, join Lake Rotomahana cruise & shuttle bus back to entrance. Includes passage, shuttle bus, valley & boat cruise interpretation. Open 8.30am daily. Last admission 2pm (3pm Jan).
To add to your comfort during your visit to Waimangu, our Visitor Centre offers a well stocked, quality gift shop, clean, comfortable bathrooms and a modern cafe providing delicious hot and cold food and drinks to enjoy as you look out over the Valley.
Availability calendar
Contact details
- Phone:
- +64 (07) 366 6137
- Fax:
- +64 (07) 366 6607
- Address:
- 587 Waimangu Road
20 mins south of Rotorua off SH5 Rotorua - Distance:
- 20.55km from Rotorua
This is the shortest distance from the Tourism Rotorua Information and Travel Office to this operator, but does not necessarily represent the exact route travelled by road. - Email:
- nature@waimangu.co.nz
- Web:
- www.waimangu.co.nz
- Bookings:
- See availability calendar above OR
Direct to operator via email OR
Online inquiry via i-SITE - Affiliations:
- Languages:
