Waimangu Valley Walk
Discover self-guided walking and hiking options for all fitness levels in Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Choose to do one, or all – the Crater Track, the Terrace Track, and the Wetland Track leading to Lake Rotomahana. Explore at your own pace, armed with our ‘wanderer guide’ highlighting different points of interest. Please note: Last admission time is 3pm.
Includes
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Duration - 2+ hours
1 hour minimum. Trail options suitable for beginners and experienced walkers. Last admission time 3pm.
- Price - NZD $75
- Departures - from 8.30am
- Book Now
Overview
Enjoy views of the 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.
The trails from the visitor centre to the lake and largely meandering and downhill, with a regular bus shuttles that will bring you back to visitor centre.
Please note, the Mt Haszard hiking trail is temporarily closed for maintenance. Management apologise for any inconvenience.
Price
- Adults (17 years+) $75.00pp
- Children (6-16 years) $45
- Family (2 adults & up to 4 children) $225
- Under 6's FREE with adult
Trail Conditions and Timings
Our valley walk is divided into different sections, all serviced by regular shuttles allowing visitors to move between sections, or walk the complete trail.
Crater Track: 1.5km, approx. 1 hour
- From Waimangu visitor centre to bus stop 1
- Easy downhill and flat. Optional steps up to iconic Inferno Crater.
- Suitable for most levels of fitness.
- Includes panoramic views over the valley, the Southern Crater, regenerating forest, Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, rare plants, hot springs, Inferno Crater Lake, Silica Terraces and stalactites
Terrace Track: combine with Crater Track for a total 3.2km, approx. 1 hour 30 mins
- From Waimangu visitor centre to bus stop 2
- Downhill steps after Bus Stop 1, otherwise flat.
- Suitable for most levels of fitness.
- Includes panoramic views over the valley, the Southern Crater, 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.
Wetland Track: combine with all tracks for a total of 4.0km, approx 1 hour 45 mins
- From Waimangu visitor centre to Lake Rotomahana, bus stop 3
- 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.
The Mt Haszard hiking trail is temporarily closed for maintenance. Management apologise for any inconvenience.
Other Experiences
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Full Waimangu Experience
