- Home
- Experiences
- New Zealand
- Bay of Plenty
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk
Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk

Select Packages
Explore and discover the geothermal wonderland that is **Waimangu Valley** **Thermal Park** near **Rotorua**. This unique valley was created by the massive volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886 making it the world’s newest **geothermal** area. Take an eco-focused **nature walk** around the valley or choose a more advanced hiking option to enjoy fantastic views over this prehistoric landscape. After your walk you can hop onboard a relaxing **boat cruise** of Lake Rotomahana to sightsee the unique **geothermal activity** with full commentary from your skipper. Learn about the area’s fascinating history, see the colourful volcanic landscape and hear indigenous stories and legends of the area. This iconic **New Zealand** **geothermal attraction** features steaming crater lakes, spectacular silica terraces, abundant native flora and fauna and fascinating mineral formations that make it seem like you are exploring another planet.
Inclusions
__Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self-Guided Walk__ * Self guided walk * Courtesy return shuttle back to the entrance & between points through the valley * Visitor Guide Sheets English, Dutch, German, Chinese, Mandarin, Italian, Korean, French, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Hebrew, Russian, Slav and Hindi * In addition basic Fact Sheets in Czech, Hungarian and Swedish * Waimangu App with visitor guide and augmented reality features __Full Waimangu Experience__ * Self guided walk * Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise – please advise your arrival time when booking so we can check boat availability * Courtesy return shuttle back to the entrance & between points through the valley * Visitor Guide Sheets English, Dutch, German, Chinese, Mandarin, Italian, Korean, French, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Hebrew, Russian, Slav and Hindi * In addition basic Fact Sheets in Czech, Hungarian and Swedish * Waimangu App with visitor guide and augmented reality features
Extras
* Food can be purchased from the Waimangu cafe
Highlights
* Discover the world's youngest geothermal system * Explore a selection of walking & hiking trails at your own space * Learn about the Mount Tarawera & Pink and White Terraces * See unique geothermal activity including the crystal blue Inferno Crater, and Frying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot spring * Regenerating native New Zealand wildlife and unique thermally adapted plants * Multiple New Zealand Eco-Tourism Award winner
Time
__Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self-Guided Walk__ * Easy walks of varying lengths and duration along crater walkways, mainly downhill and flat, with an optional hike on the Mt Haszard Trail (an uphill bush trail). * Open from 8.30am daily, last entry 3.30pm __Full Waimangu Experience__ * Easy walks of varying lengths along crater walkways, mainly downhill and flat, with an optional easy * Self-Guided Walk and Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise arrival time - 8.30am (for the 10.25am Boat), 9.30am (for the 11.25am Boat), 11.00am (for the 1.10pm Boat), 12.00pm (for the 2.00pm Boat), 12.45pm (for the 2.50pm Boat) and 1.45pm (for the 3.40pm Boat)
Location
* 587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua, off State Highway 5 (main Rotorua - Taupo highway) * How to find Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Turn left 14kms south of Rotorua off State Highway 5 (Rotorua Taupo highway) and drive 6kms along Waimangu Road to the entrance and carpark
What To Bring
* Camera * Rain or sun protection as necessary * Baby pushchair if needed * Comfortable clothing * Good walking shoes with treaded soles recommended * Hat and Sunglasses * Drink bottle
Additional Information
* Please note that it will not be possible to use the café facility for eating food brought to Waimangu. If you want to bring your own food to Waimangu then we will organise the use of one of our picnic areas down in the valley. * The tour provides all visitor material for self guided walks and the boat cruise in French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Hebrew. * The standard walk is easy, mostly downhill, suitable for all ages and fitness levels whereas the advanced hiking is an uphill bush trail * Some, but not all areas are wheelchair accessible. Shuttle bus and boat require wheelchair users to transfer. Please contact us to discuss requirements.
Booking Information
* Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking * Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience * Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction * For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher * Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
Package options
About Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk
About Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk
Waimangu Valley Thermal Park near Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland, formed by the massive eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886, making it the world's youngest geothermal area. Here, you can explore eco-friendly nature walks or choose more challenging hiking trails to admire the stunning views of the prehistoric landscape. After your walk, you can opt for a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana to witness geothermal activity, complete with commentary from the captain, learning about history, the colorful volcanic landscape, and indigenous stories. This place is a famous geothermal attraction in New Zealand, featuring steam-venting crater lakes, beautiful silica terraces, abundant native flora and fauna, and interesting mineral formations.
Why Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk is a must
Discover the world's youngest geothermal system. Explore walking trails and hiking paths at your own pace. Learn about Mount Tarawera and the Pink and White Terraces. Witness unique geothermal activity, including the crystal-blue Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake, the world's largest hot spring. Observe New Zealand's recovering native wildlife and plants adapted to the thermal environment. Recipient of multiple New Zealand Eco-Tourism Awards.
Top things to do at Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk
The main activity is exploring Waimangu Valley independently along various eco-focused walking and hiking trails. Another interesting activity is a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana to observe geothermal activity and learn about its history. Inside the valley, you will find the crystal-blue Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake, the world's largest hot spring, as well as silica terraces and steam-venting crater lakes.
How to get to Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk
From Rotorua, drive 14 kilometers south. Turn left off State Highway 5 (the main Rotorua-Taupo road), then drive another 6 kilometers along Waimangu Road to reach the entrance and car park.
Location of Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk
587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua, New Zealand. Located not far from State Highway 5, the main road connecting Rotorua and Taupo.
Opening hours of Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk
For self-guided walks: Open daily from 08:30 AM, with the last admission at 03:30 PM. For the Full Waimangu Experience package (walk and Lake Rotomahana cruise), there are specific entry times for boat departures: 08:30 AM (for the 10:25 AM boat), 09:30 AM (for the 11:25 AM boat), 11:00 AM (for the 01:10 PM boat), 12:00 PM (for the 02:00 PM boat), 12:45 PM (for the 02:50 PM boat), and 01:45 PM (for the 03:40 PM boat).
Facilities at Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Walk
Free shuttle service is available for return to the entrance and between various points within the valley. Information leaflets are available in multiple languages, including English, Dutch, German, Chinese, Italian, Korean, French, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Hebrew, Russian, Slavic, and Hindi. Basic information sheets are also available in Czech, Hungarian, and Swedish. Download the Waimangu app with a visitor guide and Augmented Reality features. Food can be purchased at Waimangu Cafe, and picnic areas are available in the valley if you bring your own food.
Know Before You Go
Please prepare a camera, rain or sun protection as needed, a stroller (if required), comfortable clothing, suitable walking shoes with good grip, sunglasses, and a water bottle. Outside food is not permitted in the cafe area. If you bring your own food, picnic areas are provided in the valley. Most standard walking trails are downhill, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Advanced hiking trails are uphill forest paths. Some areas are wheelchair accessible, but not all. Wheelchair users will need to transfer to the shuttle and boat. Please contact the venue for more information. Booking confirmation vouchers will be received after purchase. Please print or show the voucher on a mobile device on the day of your visit. Availability may change due to circumstances beyond control.