Explore the raw beauty of the world's youngest geothermal site on a self-guided, ecology-focused adventure among the craters of the spectacular Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Explore the raw beauty of the world's youngest geothermal site on a self-guided, ecology-focused adventure among the craters of the spectacular Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
This exciting geothermal attraction has a very unique ecology with rare botany and plenty of fascinating geothermal features to explore.
See the Hypnotic steam rising from the Echo Crater, marvel at the stunning Frying Pan Lake (the world's largest hot water spring), and take in the beauty and dazzling blue of the Inferno Crater hot lake. The newly forming silica terraces are also a highlight not to be missed.
Waimagu Volcanic Valley is a protected scenic reserve and includes the beautiful Lake Rotomahana. The entire valley is shrouded in pristine native forest providing sanctuary for a wide variety of New Zealand birdlife.
At any stage during your walk, you can jump on board a courtesy shuttle which regularly circles the valley back to the Waimangu Visitor Centre.
There are a range of walking options for all abilities and ambitions including:
Easy Walking
A range of easy, mainly downhill walkways through pristine native bush, teeming with spectacular birdlife and geothermal highlights. Encounter hot pools, steaming volcanic craters, newly forming silica terraces, rare geothermal plants and the multi-coloured rocks of this mysterious and beautiful valley.
Mt Haszard Hiking Trail
If your looking for a bit more of an expedition opt for an invigorating hike along the Mt Haszard Hiking Trail taking you high above the valley floor with superb panoramic views of the unique landscape.
Beginning at the inferno crater the Mt Haszard trail follows parts of the original Waimangu walking route from the early 1900's when visitors came to view the Waimangu Geyser erupting.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is just 20 minutes South of Rotorua or 40 minutes North of Taupo.
Click here for the Full Day Experience including Lake Rotomahana Cruise
All prices are shown in NZD ($)
The self- guided walk was very well marked with informative boards and the easy walking main track passed a wealth of varied and colourful geothermal features. Go at your own pace. It wasn't crowded. Stout boots and stamina required for the optional loop hike, but the effort was well worth it. We walked back rather than catching the bus - a total 4 hours round trip including photos and picnic stops. NB only toilets available currently are at reception, where staff are helpful. An excellent day out and brilliant value with on online discounted ticket.
Wonderful experience for us. It's a truly interesting walk. Amazing!
Well organised and very well maintained walking areas with lots of viewing points along the way. Easy to find your way and great information boards explaining the geological history - felt very privelleged to be so close to all that force of nature ! well worth the time and would highly recommend. Appreciated being able to jump on the bus for the ride back !
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ediem from New Zealand wrote on 01 February 2023
Awesome
Really enjoyed it. Our mobility is restricted so we were pleased to see the walk was divided into 3 section and there were 3 bus stops . We sonly walked the 1.5km to the first busstop, then hopped on the bus for the rest of tje way. The walking path was good and mostly downhill for the bit we did, but there are several steep bits where we had to take our time. Was seating along the way and information boards which along with information on yoir map, gave plenty of information. The sights were amazing, and i think the first section would have been the best.. woild definitely visit again to do the other parts and the lake cruise. Well worth a visit.