Waimangu Volcanic Valley Rotorua

How the world began.

Experience the world’s youngest geothermal system

Explore the birthplace of Tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand. Beautiful walking and hiking trails weave through a natural volcanic system and a narrated boat cruise around Lake Rotomahana takes you to the final resting place of the legendary Pink & White Terraces.

You will experience spectacular volcanic craters, enormous hot water springs, beautiful geothermal features, rare and unusual plant life, brilliantly coloured microbiology, and a wide array of birds.

We connect people with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, its unique history and legacy. We share how the world began! We immerse visitors in the stories of the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption, its people, and the resulting dramatic landscape changes that created Rotorua’s geothermal park.

Full Waimangu Experience

The best way to experience the entirety of Waimangu. This half-day geothermal experience completely immerses you in the unique environment of Waimangu Volcanic Valley. You’ll enjoy beautiful walking & hiking trails, woven through a natural geothermal ecosystem. Complete the experience with a 45 minute boat cruise around Lake Rotomahana, the final resting place of the Pink & White Terraces.

Includes

From
- NZD $98

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Experiences

Self Guided Walk or Hike Only

Explore walking and hiking options for all fitness levels in the Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Includes
From
- NZD $48
Learn More Book Now
Self Guided Walk or Hike Only

History of Waimangu

Discover Aotearoa New Zealand’s Home of History

Waimangu is home to the World’s youngest geothermal system. This geothermal system was formed as the result of a volcanic eruption on 10 June 1886. It features World unique geothermal features. It is the only geothermal system in the World created within written history.

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Latest News & Updates

Waimangu Volcanic Valley Recognised for Kaitiakitanga Environmental Sustainability

21/02/2022

Waimangu Volcanic Valley were delighted to receive the Kaitiakitanga Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Award at the Rotorua Business Awards this year.

Read more about Waimangu Volcanic Valley Recognised for Kaitiakitanga Environmental Sustainability
Tarawera Walking and Hiking Trails

10/08/2021

If you're looking for walking trails in Rotorua, the Tarawera region has walking and hiking options for all levels of fitness. Discover walking trails through geothermal valleys, walks around Lake Tarawera, and even hikes on the summit of Mount Tarawera itself. Hidden gems include stunning waterfalls and lakeside natural hot pools.

Read more about Tarawera Walking and Hiking Trails
Biking around Waimangu Volcanic Valley

24/05/2021

Cycling and Mountain Biking have really taken off, and Rotorua is teeming with two wheeled adventurers. Whether you’re looking for a backcountry MTB mission, a bikepacking challenge or a cruisy e-bike cycle trail day, there are many great options around Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

Read more about Biking around Waimangu Volcanic Valley

All News

We stopped in for a quick coffee having seen the sign on the highway. The coffee was great and the quiche and muffin were fantastic. While eating we read the details of the Valley walk and decided to stay and see what it had to offer. Leave plenty of time, don’t rush it, we left at just after 10am and just caught the 1:10pm boat trip around the lake. What an unbelievable walk, really good information on both the brochure and on boards at…

Andy
Hatherleigh, United Kingdom

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We had a great trip here - very organised walk with lots of information and fascinating views of the craters. The boat trip on the lake was very relaxing and timed to allow us to catch the bus back up. We had a good lunch back at the…

Penny
Brisbane, Australia

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I hiked the whole of Waimangu Volcanic Valley down and back up again. It's located near Rotorua-where I didn't go because it's too touristy and overcrowded- and that place is just so impressive and wonderful to tramp through...fantastic vapor whirls on the magnificent colorful lakes...great ferns with thousands of different shades of green.....amazing viewpoints to look down into the valley...awesome hues of ever changing volcanic terraces in…

Thomas Rhöse
Google Review

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A must-go in Rotorua, where you'll explore a stunning scenery of ferns and volcanic rocks and…

Simone
Brasillia

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A peaceful quiet walk in the rain. We came here on a rainy day, as there wasn’t much else to do outside when in rains in Rotorua. Staff was nice and walked us through the bus stops and how everything worked there. We paid the additional $5 to rent a heat thermometer gun (not sure was the actual name of it is). It was cool to see how hot the water was getting with the temperature gauge. This was a good place to go when it rains. The walkway is…

Spring
Texas

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We were fortunate to visit when there were no crowds and walked the valley in almost complete isolation which added to the mysterious and prehistoric feel. Everywhere we turned was a feast for the eyes. Our teenage son only wished we could have spent more time there. If you appreciate nature, enjoy an easy hike, want to see something unique Waimangu is for…

Dianna
Tokyo, Japan

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