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

Solo Travel in Rotorua: The Ultimate Geothermal Escape for Independent Explorers

12/06/2026

From steaming geothermal valleys and peaceful forest walks to cultural experiences and lakeside relaxation, Rotorua packs plenty into a few unforgettable days. Here’s an itinerary to inspire your own solo adventure.

Read more about Solo Travel in Rotorua: The Ultimate Geothermal Escape for Independent Explorers
New Zealand’s Most Unique Boat Trips: From Lakes to Fiords to the Sea

08/06/2026

New Zealand’s dramatic coastlines, volcanic lakes and majestic fiords set the stage for some of the most unforgettable day cruises on Earth. From rare wildlife to raw, cinematic landscapes – here are five boat trips that deserve a place on your bucket list.

Read more about New Zealand’s Most Unique Boat Trips: From Lakes to Fiords to the Sea
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

All News

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 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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Another amazing spot to visit, very informative with great photo opportunities, the walk down through the valley to the boat jetty is rather easy, but about 4kms, the boat cruise on lake Rotormahana was great, again very informative with great photo and video…

Peter
Melbourne, Australia

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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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I honestly think my words can't do this place justice. It's breath taking, with flora that changes every 5 min. If you have the fitness ability walt the whole place on foot. You won't regret it. If you get tired they have buses. Amazing lakes and views you will never forget.Pack a picnic and some water and enjoy a day you will never forget. Plenty of benches to rest too. Take your time and son up every moment. Good for couples, families with…

Yana

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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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