Waimangu Volcanic Valley

At Waimangu Volcanic Valley in Rotorua you can see astonishing geothermal activity in the worlds most recent Geothermal Area. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is a globally significant geothermal region and encompasses stunning Lake Rotomahana. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is set in pristine New Zealand bush and includes magnificent geothermal features such as steaming volcanic crater lakes, rare and remarkable plants.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is also a wildlife sanctuary for birds, and a protected scenic reserve. This is nature sightseeing that everybody can get pleasure from. Located only 20 minutes south of Rotorua and 40 minutes north of Taupo, Waimangu Volcanic Valley is easily accessible.

Easy Walking

Waimangu Volcanic Valley has many walks to select from, mostly downhill. You will see Frying Pan Lake, the world's biggest hot water spring, and Echo Crater. You will be amazed by our mystifying and spectacular Inferno Crater with its striking blue hot lake. 

You will view recently forming silica terraces and rare and extraordinary geothermal plants; and take pleasure in the tranquility of our New Zealand native bush.

Mt Haszard Hiking Trail

Following parts of the original Waimangu Round Trip walking route from the early 1900’s when tourists came to observe the Waimangu Geyser erupting;  the Mt Haszard Hiking Trail was opened in January 2005.

The Mt Haszard Hiking Trail nature hike commences at Inferno Crater and goes high over the Waimangu Volcanic Valley floor, offering magnificent panoramic views of the valley. We do not recommend this track for children, pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Please Note:

• The Mt Haszard hiking track calls for good fitness
• It is steep and in places rough underfoot
• We recommend you put on suitable footwear

Lake Rotomahana

Lake Rotomahana  was spectacularly transformed  by the 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption, exploding to 20 times its original size. Fifteen years following that colossal eruption, the lake attained its present depth and is now the deepest in New Zealand's North Island and now covers around 15 coalescing craters created in the explosion. Lake Rotomahana is the most recent of all New Zealand’s larger, naturally formed lakes – protected as a wildlife refuge, it's home to large numbers of birds all year round.

Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana. One of New Zealand’s most beautiful, un-spoilt, natural wilderness regions, Lake Rotomahana and adjoining land are protected from development. This stunning lake has its own separate geothermal system, with the astonishing geothermal activity that can only be seen from our boat throughout your cruise. 

Patiti Island, in the centre of the Lake, is now being brought back to a predator-free condition and is being developed into a refuge for endangered New Zealand native birds

What to Bring & Wear:

Please wear flat shoes or sandals and bring your camera, comfortable clothing, rain or sun protection as necessary and a baby pushchair if needed. 

For the Advanced Hiking option, good walking shoes with treaded soles are recommended.

Wheelchairs:

The Waimangu walking options are wheelchair accessible. Inferno Crater can be accessed by 50 steps. Access to the valley and boat is only possible for those visitors who can move or be moved in and out of their wheelchair for negotiating bus steps, jetty steps and boat steps. Our shuttle buses do not have wheelchair lifts. People who use wheelchairs must be accompanied by competent helpers.