Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Visitor Options
“By far our best experience in Rotorua. Incredible. Friendly service from the lady behind the counter who advised us we had a gentle downwards 1 1/2 hour walk ahead of us and then a half hour boat ride. First we took in a coffee which was very good. Then down the track - oh my goodness. We saw incredible jewel-coloured crater lakes, the indescribable 'frying pan lake' where steam constantly rises from the water, amazing yellow and emerald green lichen, pink rock, beautiful native bush and steam rising from vents all around. So many sights that even our camera couldn't capture. You could really spend a whole day here and I would highly recommend doing that, particularly if you are a meditative type or if you are interested in geology or science. The boat ride on the lake was also beautiful and informative. A beautiful, magnificent, magical experience and well worth doing. Spend as much time here as you can." Visited May and reviewed in 2013
Prime Rotorua tourist attraction, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, offers guided tours through spectacular geothermal activity in the world's youngest geothermal system. We have some of the best walking trails in Rotorua, so put us at the top of your list of things to see and do while in Rotorua. Take your choice from our range of sight-seeing tours and nature walks through pristine New Zealand bush. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is home to wonderful plant and bird life, thermal hot springs, steaming cliffs, volcanic craters and many more geothermal features.
Relax on a cruise of beautiful Lake Rotomahana and view the activity of its own separate geothermal system, or take a combination of walk and cruise.
Click through to our Interactive Map and take a virtual walk through the valley.
Ask our reception staff for help to choose the best option for you.
Disabled access to Waimangu is limited. Please contact us for details.
Your experience includes FREE guide and fact sheets in many languages, available from our Visitor Centre.
Walking & Hiking Self Guided Tours and Boat Cruise
Departing from the Waimangu Volcanic Valley Visitor Centre |
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| Walking & Hiking |
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| Our self-guided, eco-focused walking or hiking tours are from 45 minutes to over 4 hours, depending on the trail you choose to take. Your journey takes you through spectacular geothermal activity in the world's youngest geothermal system... |
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| Boat Cruise |
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| See the wonders of Waimangu Volcanic Valley from the comfort of a boat. Enjoy a cruise on sparkling Lake Rotomahana, a lake with its own separate geothermal system, with some amazing thermal activity only viewable by boat... |
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| Walk & Boat Cruise Combo |
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| Take one of our nature walks or an invigorating hike to explore other-worldly geothermal landscapes, steaming craters and more, then relax and enjoy a lake cruise, discovering astounding sights only accessible by our boat... |
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Guided Tours
We offer 3 distinctive Guided Tours for individual travellers or groups.
Tours include transfers to and from your Rotorua accommodation. |
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| The Waimangu Experience |
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| A three quarter-day guided tour that includes morning tea, a visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley (walking or hiking trails), a Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise and lunch... |
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| Geothermal Wonderland |
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| A half-day guided tour that includes the sights and sounds of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley walking trails or hiking tracks and a visit to the nearby Waiotapu Geothermal Park... |
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| Volcanoes & Rainforests |
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| This full day guided tour includes a trip to Whirinaki Rain Forest, a journey through Waimangu Volcanic Valley and a Boat Cruise on Lake Rotomahana. Lunch is also included... |
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