Self Guided Walk or Hike Only
Explore walking and hiking options for all fitness levels in the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Choose the highlights walk, or opt for the full walk. Add the Mt Haszard hiking trail for the full experience.
Distance
1.5km minimum walk or 4km full walk to the lake edge. Complimentary shuttles between stops.
Duration
1 hour minimum. Easy, mainly downhill. Suitable for beginners and experienced walkers.
Price
From NZD 46.00
Overview
Enjoy views of mysterious and beautiful Inferno Crater which rises and falls as it heats and cools. See the delicate sinter terraces growing from minerals solidifying out of the hot spring water. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is home to Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World.
Brilliantly coloured microbes cloak the hot rocks. Tiny springs and geysers play. Immerse yourself amongst the rare and unusual plants that grow on the hot earths of Waimangu, amongst the regenerating native forests.
Our shuttle bus returns you from the end of your walk / hike back to the entrance. We open daily at 8:30am.
Prices
| From 1 April 2023 | |
| Adults (16 years and over) | $46 | |
| Children (6-15 years) | $16 | |
| Family (2 adults & 3 children) | $110 | |
| Under 6's | FREE with adult |
Walk/Hike | From - to | Distance | Duration | Difficulty/Other Info. | Highlights | Departure Info |
| Highlights Walk | Waimangu Entrance to Bus Stop 1 | 1.5km | 1 hour | Moderate downhill and flat. There are steps up to Inferno Crater. Suitable for most levels of fitness. | Panoramas over the valley, the Southern Crater, regenerating forest, Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, rare plants, hot springs, Inferno Crater Lake, Silica Terraces and stalactites | Last admission: 15.30 for 17.00 close |
| All the Hot Springs | Waimangu Entrance to Bus Stop 2 | 3.2km | 1 hour 30 min | Downhill steps after Bus Stop 1, otherwise flat. Suitable for most levels of fitness. | Panoramas over the valley, Southern Crater, Emerald Lake, regenerating forest, Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, rare plants, hot springs, Inferno Crater Lake, silica terraces and stalactites. A large number of native birds can be seen on this walk. | Last admission: 15.10 for 17.00 close |
| Full walk to the Lake | Waimangu Entrance | 4.0km | 1 hour | Flat from Bus Stop 2. Suitable for most levels of fitness. | The full 4km walk allows you to experience all Waimangu Volcanic Valley has to offer, including wonderful panoramas over the valley, Southern Crater, Emerald Lake, regenerating forest, Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, rare plants, hot springs, Inferno Crater Lake, silica terraces and stalactites. There is excellent bird watching along this trail. | Last admission: 14.50 for 17.00 close |
| Hiking | Waimangu Entrance to Inferno Crater, then over Mt Haszard Hiking Trail. Rejoin main path down to Bus Stop 3 | 4.5km | 2 hours+ | Good fitness required. Good walking/hiking shoes required.Not recommended for children, pushchairs or wheelchairs. | Spectacular panoramic views of the valley, the surrounding region, Rainbow Mountain, Mt Tarawera and Lake Rotomahana are highlights of this hike. | Recommended last admission: 14.30 for 17.00 close |
Features & Highlights
- Unlock hidden content with the Waimangu App
- Panoramas over the valley
- Rare plants
- Emerald Lake
- The Southern Crater
- Hot springs
- Native Birds
- Regenerating forest
- Inferno Crater Lake
- Rainbow Mountain
- Frying Pan Lake
- Silica Terraces
- Mt Tarawera
- Cathedral Rocks
- Stalactites
- Mt Haszard Hiking Trail