On-site shuttle busWaimangu Volcanic Valley admission feeGuide sheet and mapSelf Guided Walk, varying in length to suit fitness levels

Good Walking ShoesWaterRain/Sun ProtectionCamera

Adult: 17 years +Children: 6-16 years

Rotorua Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket

North Island

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

from

NZ$75

per adult

Aerial view of vivid blue Inferno Crater surrounded by native bush in Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Experiences

Hot Springs, Spas, and Geothermal Attractions

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Location: Rotorua

Duration: 2+ hours

Witness Nature Reborn in Waimangu’s Steaming Landscape

Step into a world where steam rises from emerald pools and nature flourishes on volcanic ground. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self-Guided Walk invites you to uncover an extraordinary geothermal landscape shaped by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption. Each track offers a new perspective, from the tranquil Terrace Track to the scenic Wetland Trail leading to Lake Rotomahana.

Marvel at Frying Pan Lake, one of the world’s largest hot water springs, and see the mesmerising Inferno Crater whose water level mysteriously rises and falls. Delicate sinter terraces shimmer with minerals, forming new layers before your eyes. Every step offers a glimpse into the power and beauty of nature’s artistry.

Family exploring geothermal terrain in Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Couple admiring Lake Rotomahana from Waimangu Volcanic Valley lookout

Small geyser spraying hot water beside native vegetation in Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Lake Rotomahana with Mount Tarawera in the background seen from Waimangu walking track

Vibrant blue Inferno Crater framed by native bush in Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Couple standing at a lookout over Frying Pan Lake and steaming cliffs in Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Couple gazing at geothermal steam rising through lush bush in Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Couple walking across a wooden bridge surrounded by geothermal steam and native forest in Waimangu

Couple reading interpretive signage overlooking Inferno Crater in Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Couple standing beside colourful sinter terraces formed by hot spring deposits in Waimangu

Couple enjoying a picnic beside steaming hot springs at Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Couple exploring steaming geothermal terrain on a walking track in Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Steam rising through forested hills with distant mountain views in Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Aerial view of the green-coloured Emerald Pool with visitors at a lookout in Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Discover Waimangu’s Best Self-Guided Hiking Routes

With trails designed for all fitness levels, the valley invites you to wander freely. Choose one of the shorter paths or spend the day exploring them all – each with its own character, from lush native bush to steamy geothermal zones. Shuttle buses make it easy to return to the visitor centre, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable day outdoors.

Vibrant microbes paint the rocks in vivid hues while tiny geysers bubble and hiss beside the paths. You’ll walk through living science, where geothermal activity and native forest regeneration coexist in harmony. Whether you’re drawn by the geology, the photography, or the peaceful scenery, Waimangu promises an unforgettable New Zealand experience.

On-site shuttle bus
Waimangu Volcanic Valley admission fee
Guide sheet and map
Self Guided Walk, varying in length to suit fitness levels

Good Walking Shoes
Water
Rain/Sun Protection
Camera

Adult: 17 years +
Children: 6-16 years

24 hours or more before travel: Full refund**
Less than 24 hours before travel: No refund

*Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Highlights - Crater Track

Waimangu Entrance to Bus Stop 1, Distance - 1.5km, Allow 1 hour. Difficulty - 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: 3.30pm for 5.00pm close

All The Hot Springs - Crater Track plus Terrace Track

Waimangu Entrance to Bus Stop 2, Distance 3.2km, Allow 1 hour 30 min Difficulty - 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: 3.10pm for 5.00pm close

Full Walk To Lake - Crater Track, Terrace Track & Wetland Track

Waimangu Entrance to Bus Stop 3, Distance 4.0km, Allow 1 hour 45 minutes Difficulty - 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: 2.50pm for 5.00pm close

Hiking - Mt Haszard Hiking Trail (currently closed)

Waimangu Entrance to Inferno Crater, then over Mt Haszard Hiking Trail. Rejoin the main path down to Bus Stop 3, Distance 4.5km Allow 2 hours+, Difficulty - Good fitness required. Good walking/hiking shoes are 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: 2.30pm for 5.00pm close