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 ($)
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our self guided walk around on a perfect day at Waimangu Volcanic Valley. There were easy and difficult levels so you got to experience everything without too much strain. There were sights everywhere and the information boards and artwork that were along the trails allowed you to be constantly connected and i=-understanding of what you were seeing and experiencing. The thermal pools added to the colour of the surrounds and the eerie tendrils of steam coming from the ground and mountain side added another aspect to this intriguing place. Thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone visiting this area of Rotorua. Fabulous.
Our favourite geothermal walk, absolutley breathtaking, very peaceful, amazing views and can catch the bus back after the walk too. A highlight of our trip!
While the geothermal features were unique, the walk felt repetitive and lacked excitement. The trails were well-maintained, and the shuttle was convenient, but it didn’t feel like a must-do. ⭐ 3/5 – Worth a visit if you love geothermal landscapes, but not thrilling.
Easy walk through beautiful landscape. Black swans, Canada geese, lakes and rivers of hot water with amazing colors. Walk to end and take bus back.
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Ursula from United Kingdom wrote on 01 April 2025
Great walk seeing the geothermal eco-system
We had a lovely time visiting Waigmangu. We walked to the end and caught the bus back. Very interesting and peaceful with well maintained walkways. Very informative and interesting history. Nice shop and toilets as well. Well worth a visit.