Waimangu Volcanic Valley in Rotorua is like peeling back the upper layer of the earth and stepping into another dimension. It was born from the volcanic eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886, making it the world's youngest geothermal valley.

What’s special about Waimangu Volcanic Valley (that you can’t get at the others around the city) is that it offers unique transport around the park!

You’ll start by walking 4km to the edge of the lake. This walk is mostly flat/downhill, so anyone with a basic fitness level should be able to complete it. If you don’t want to walk 4km, the best geothermal activity is in the first 1.5km.

While you’re walking through the park, you’ll see the famous coloured hot springs, Frying Pan Lake  (the largest hot water spring in the world) and Inferno Crater Lake (my favourite!). You’ll also be treated to a beautiful hot waterfall that’s unlike anything I’ve seen before!

Once you reach the lake, you’ll join a guided boat trip across Lake Rotomahana. This is an additional fee on top of the park entrance, but I highly recommend it (especially if this is your first time visiting NZ and you want to leave with lifelong memories). During your tour, you’ll learn about the Pink and White Terraces.

The story of these is incredibly sad. They were the largest silica deposits on Earth, New Zealand’s earliest tourist attraction, and considered the 8th Wonder of the World. Unfortunately, they disappeared in 1886 when Mount Tarawera erupted. Lake Rotomahana was blasted to twenty times its original size, the terraces were destroyed (or buried under the lake), and the village of Te Wairoa was buried under rocks, ash, and mud.

How much does it cost?

The Waimangu Experience includes a self-guided walk and boat cruise. This costs $89NZD per adult, $30NZD per child and $215NZD per family. 

How to get there

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is located at 587 Waimangu Road in Rotorua. You can drive, cycle or take a shuttle to Waimangu. I recommend exploring NZ with your car, but shuttles leave from the Rotorua i-Site downtown if you don't have one. The shuttle leaves at 9 am, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the valley. Then, you'll return to Rotorua city centre by 1:30 pm.