Waimangu Volcanic Valley Rotorua
Waimangu is the 'must do' eco-experience if you wish to experience unique ecology, botany, and geothermal features during your stay in Rotorua.
    |
Geothermal Wonderland In 1886, the eruption of Mount Tarawera in Rotorua destroyed the area surrounding up and created the seven craters that today make up premier Rotorua attraction, Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The eruption opened the earth along a 17-kilometre line, splitting Mount Tarawera in two and exploding Lake Rotomahana to 20 times its original size. Today you can walk through the craters of this Rotorua thermal park and take a boat cruise on crater Lake Rotomahana to view the amazing geothermal activity and important botany in this area of national and world significance. Self Guided Walks & Hiking Trail Waimangu offers a range of mainly down-hill, ecology focused walks that showcase a wide range of geothermal activity, native forest, bird-life and thermally adapted plants. See Echo Crater and Frying Pan Lake, the world's largest hot water spring. View mysterious and dramatic Inferno Crater with its beautiful blue and steaming hot lake. Allow 1 hour for the shortest walk and up to 2 hours to walk from the Waimangu entrance through to the Lake Rotomahana Jetty. The advanced Mt Haszard hiking trail provides spectacular views of the valley but does require good fitness. Check our interactive map for an overview of our walks. Guided Tours & Groups We also offer several guided sightseeing tours which include transport from your Rotorua accommodation. Half and full day tours of the thermal area and a relaxing cruise on Lake Rotomahana, a wildlife refuge and site of more beautiful geothermal features. For groups of 10 or more, we offer special prices, English-speaking guides free-of-charge and can provide meals. We cater for groups of all sizes and interests, including school groups. What You Need to Know: Waimangu is a year-round eco-experience able to be enjoyed by people of all ages and physical abilities. Our courtesy Shuttle Bus runs through the valley on a regular basis returning you from the end of your walk and boat cruise to the Visitor Centre. Open daily from 8.30am, all year. On-site services include ample on-site parking, easily understood interpretation, guide sheets in a wide variety of languages, a modern café with full food and drink service and a gift shop with an excellent range of quality gifts. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is just 20 minutes south of Rotorua, and 40 minutes north of Taupo (off State Highway 5).
|
 |
