Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua Geothermal Park
See how the world began at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the Youngest Geothermal System in the World.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is located 20 minutes south of the Rotorua township, or 45 minutes north of Taupo, in the North Island of New Zealand.
Waimangu - Easy Walking
Waimangu offers a range of easy, ecology-focused, self- guided walks through the craters of the beautiful Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The walks showcase a wide range of volcanic activity, native plants and bird-life in a setting of lush New Zealand bush.
There are a number of easy walks available, each following a predominantly downhill path. At the end of your walk you can then take one of our courtesy shuttle buses back up the valley to the Waimangu Visitor Centre at the valley entrance.
More Information
Children: 6-16yrs. Under 6 Free
Open 8:30am every day. Last admission 3:45pm (4:45 in January)
Allow 1 hour for the shortest walks and up to 2 hours (2 & 1/2 hours if you include Mt Haszard) for the full walk.
Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise
Within the Waimangu Valley lies beautiful Lake Rotomahana, the newest of all New Zealand’s larger, naturally formed, lakes. Lake Rotomahana has its own separate geothermal system with a display of geothermal springs and geysers along its south west shoreline that can only be viewed from Waimangu’s vessel. During your cruise a live, English language commentary from your captain will keep you informed about the lake and its history. The lake is protected as a wildlife refuge, and large numbers of birds live here all year round. The lake and surrounding land are protected from development, and will always remain as one of New Zealand’s beautiful, unspoilt, natural, wilderness areas.
Patiti Island, in the middle of the Lake, has been restored by Waimangu Volcanic Valley Ltd to an almost predator free state and has become a sanctuary for local birds.
The Boat Cruise can be enjoyed as a safe, tranquil and easy adventure, by itself or combined with the Valley walk.
More Information
Children: 6-16yrs. Under 6 Free
Departs daily from the Waimangu Entrance at 10:05am, 11:05am, 12:55pm, 1:35pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm (also at 4:15pm in January).
Last admission for Walk/Hike and Boat Cruise combined: 2:00pm (3:00pm in January)
On Site Services
Our on-site services include easily understood interpretation in a wide variety of languages, full café food and drink service, an excellent range of New Zealand made gifts and an internal shuttle bus which returns you from the end of your walk and boat cruise to the Waimangu Visitor Centre at the valley entrance.
Waimangu History
In 1886, Mount Tarawera in Rotorua erupted, and destroyed the surrounding area. The massive eruption opened the earth along a 17km line, splitting Mount Tarawera in two, exploding Lake Rotomahana to 20 times its original size, and forming the seven craters that today make up the Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Today Waimangu is appreciated by discerning travellers from New Zealand and abroad, not only as a uniquely natural thermal area but also as a protected Scenic Reserve and Wild Life Refuge. As visitors walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley’s craters and take the boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana they will view amazing geothermal activity and very important botany. Internationally significant features include the world's largest hot water spring, sinter terraces and the unique inter-relationship between two huge hot springs simmering in Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake. In addition, several endangered plants exist beside the geothermal activity together with a host of thermally adapted plants.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua Geothermal Park Enquiry Form
Address:
587 Waimangu Road
Rotorua
Phone: +64 7 366 6137
Fax: +64 7 366 6607
Web: Visit website
RATES: Quoted in NZ$, Subject to Change
As at March 2011 (Subject to change at any time without notice). All prices are in New Zealand Dollars and include Goods & Services Tax
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Waimangu Easy Walking
Adult NZ$34.50, Child (6-16 years) NZ$11.00, Infant (5 years & under) Free, Family NZ$80 -
Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise
Adult NZ$42.50, Child (6-16 years) NZ$11.00, Infant (5 years & under) Free, Family NZ$90 -
Walk and Boat Cruise Combination
Adult NZ$77.00, Child (6-16 years) NZ$22.00, Infant (5 years & under) Free, Family NZ$170