World & National Importance

• wholly created within written history
• which can be pin-pointed to an exact time and event
• created solely as a direct result of a volcanic eruption – the Tarawera Eruption of 10 June 1886.

Waimangu is the only geothermal system in New Zealand...

• where all surface features are contained within a single geological structure, the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley.
• that has not been altered or exploited by man
• totally protected by the law

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is the site of the world's largest:

• Crypto Geyser (geyser-like feature), Inferno Crater
• Recorded geyser, Waimangu Geyser, played regularly between 1901 and 1904
• Hot Water Spring (in terms of surface area), Frying Pan Lake

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is home to:

• the only example of New Zealand native forest naturally regenerating from complete devastation.
• several rare and unusual geothermally adopted plants
• geysers and hot springs
• a Scenic Reserve, owned by the people of New Zealand and administered on their behalf by the Department of Conservation.
• several geothermal silica terraces internationally classified as Category 1 importance, including Warbrick Terrace which is growing in a right-angle shape.

Lake Rotomahana is:

• the newest, large, naturally formed lake in New Zealand
• the deepest lake in the North Island
• along with its environment, has been totally protected since the lake was created in 1886
• an unspoilt, natural area
• a Wild Life Refuge – all bird species are protected here