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

Heard some Hot Takes and Steamy Gossip? Here’s the Truth about Waimangu in Rotorua

09/03/2026

Planning a visit to Waimangu and not sure what to expect? Time to clear the air! Here we’ll answer some of the most common questions and debunk a few myths about exploring our geothermal valley, so you know exactly what you can look forward to during your day of discovery.

Read more about Heard some Hot Takes and Steamy Gossip? Here’s the Truth about Waimangu in Rotorua
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

All News

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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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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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 different lights of the day....a great bus service for weary people or elderly ones to appreciate this veritable gem of…

Thomas Rhöse
Google Review

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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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As a geothermal geologist I have visited all the commercial geothermal tourist sites. Waimangu is my favourite. It has a beautiful natural setting walking down thru forests with a bus return uphill. Along the way there is steaming lakes, bubbling sulfurous hot water vents, mini geysers and waterfalls and some nice silica sinter…

David H
My favourite geothermal site in NZ New Zealand

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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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