Welcome to Waimangu

Experience our unique and serene geothermal wonders

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 our history and legacy, and 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 environment.

Full Waimangu Experience

This half-day experience completely immerses you in the unique geothermal environment of Waimangu. Begin by exploring beautiful walking & hiking trails, woven through our natural geothermal ecosystem and native bush. Then complete your journey with a fully-guided 45 minute boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana – the final resting place of the Pink & White Terraces.

Our cruises are especially popular during the summer; we strongly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.

Includes

From
- NZD $180

Learn More Book Now

Experiences

Full Waimangu Experience

This half-day experience completely immerses you in the unique geothermal environment of Waimangu. Begin by exploring beautiful walking & hiking trails, woven through our natural geothermal ecosystem and native bush. Then complete your journey with a fully-guided 45 minute boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana – the final resting place of the Pink & White Terraces.

Our cruises are especially popular during the summer; we strongly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.
Includes
From
- NZD $180
Learn More Book Now
Full Waimangu Experience
Waimangu Valley Walk

Discover self-guided walking and hiking options for all fitness levels in Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Please note: The final admission time for self-guided walking is 3pm.
Includes
From
- NZD $75
Learn More Book Now
Waimangu Valley Walk

History of Waimangu

Discover Aotearoa New Zealand’s Home of History

Waimangu is home to a geothermal system formed as the result of a volcanic eruption on 10 June 1886. It features World unique geothermal features.

Discover More

Latest News & Updates

Rotorua’s All-Weather Outdoor Activities

16/02/2026

Whether you’re visiting Rotorua for a short break or a week-long holiday, don’t let a wet weather forecast change your plans. We’ve rounded up the best rainy-day outdoor activities where you can pop on a jacket, bring an umbrella, and still soak up the scenery no matter what the weather is doing.

Read more about Rotorua’s All-Weather Outdoor Activities
Geysers, Crater Lakes and Hot Springs: Your Waimangu Discovery Guide

17/01/2026

Walking through Waimangu Volcanic Valley feels like stepping onto another planet. Born from the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, this is a vibrant, constantly-evolving landscape where steam rises, silica flows, geysers play, and mud pools bubble away. A self-guided walk and narrated lake cruise gives you the ultimate Rotorua geothermal experience, while reminding you of nature’s power and beauty.

Read more about Geysers, Crater Lakes and Hot Springs: Your Waimangu Discovery Guide
Rotorua’s Top Hikes and Walks

15/12/2025

Rotorua is a nature lover’s paradise – and there’s no better way to explore it than on foot. With trails that wind through ancient forests, past thundering waterfalls, circling crystal-clear lakes, and venturing across volcanic landscapes, you’ll feel like your stepping onto another planet. Whether you’re after a gentle short stroll or a challenging full-day mission, lace up your walking shoes, because we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the best hiking tracks and family-friendly walks around Rotorua.

Read more about Rotorua’s Top Hikes and Walks

All News

We had a beautiful morning here. I love the sulphuric smell & the geothermal wonders. Volcanic activity is always interesting. The walk is perfect &…

Karen
Paddington, Australia

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

Simone
Brasillia

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Fascinating engaging and educational experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the walk which was on a warm day and in the sun... It is truly amazing to see how the valley has changed in just over 100 years, and the newly formed lakes are incredible. The whole team including the lake cruise made this a memorable experience. Highly recommended…

Geoff W
Fascinating trip through geothermal events happening live United States

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We had an absolutely amazing Sunday afternoon with our 3 girls at Waimangu Volcanic Valley! The views were stunning, the nature gorgeous and the staff fantastic! They went the extra mile for our little girl who had a fright on the boat before the trip started, and now all she remembers is the funny bus ride and chocolate ice cream. In the meantime mum and the other girls enjoyed the boat trip. Definitely to be recommended for anyone who enjoys…

Lynn
New Zealand

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What an unbelievable walk, really good information on both the brochure and on boards at strategic points. Lots of activity from the thermal vents and the lakes, it took us 3 hours to walk down, and after the boat around the lake we took the free bus back to the top, but you can walk back. A great day…

Andy
Hatherleigh, United Kingdom

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