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Waimangu Hiking Tour: Exploring New Zealand’s Geothermal Landscapes
4.7
231 Ratings
587 Waimangu Road
Discover the stunning geothermal landscapes of New Zealand on a self-guided hiking tour through Waimangu. Explore unique craters, steaming geysers, and picturesque lakes, capturing the beauty on camera.
Discover the stunning geothermal landscapes of New Zealand on a self-guided hiking tour through Waimangu. Explore unique craters, steaming geysers, and picturesque lakes, capturing the beauty on camera.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
-
Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Check in at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and pick up your Wanderer Guide. You may also like to download the free Waimangu App.
Then follow the walking trails through the valley at your own pace. There are a number of different options to take depending on how much time and energy you have. Marvel at the stunning…
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Check in at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and pick up your Wanderer Guide. You may also like to download the free Waimangu App.
Then follow the walking trails through the valley at your own pace. There are a number of different options to take depending on how much time and energy you have. Marvel at the stunning geothermal attractions as you learn about the history and legacy of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the Tarawera eruption and the now hidden Pink and White Terraces.
What's Included
- Complimentary Guide Sheet
- Admission Fee for Self-Guided Walk
- In-vehicle Air Conditioning
- Internal Shuttle Bus Access
- Complimentary Guide Sheet
- Admission Fee for Self-Guided Walk
- In-vehicle Air Conditioning
- Internal Shuttle Bus Access
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
- Transport to/from attractions
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
- Transport to/from attractions
Additional Information
Embark on a self-guided trek through the geothermal terrains of New Zealand with this Waimangu hiking expedition. Traverse along off-beat paths in the Waimangu area, appreciating nature’s wonders such as Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake, and Lake Rotomahana. Wander around distinct craters and vaporous geysers, immortalizing the breathtaking…
Embark on a self-guided trek through the geothermal terrains of New Zealand with this Waimangu hiking expedition. Traverse along off-beat paths in the Waimangu area, appreciating nature’s wonders such as Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake, and Lake Rotomahana. Wander around distinct craters and vaporous geysers, immortalizing the breathtaking landscape through your lens. Conclude your hiking adventure with a shuttle bus ride back to your original location.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required. Passenger must provide their own carer.
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities.
Location
587 Waimangu Road
Waimangu Road
Come into the Waimangu Visitor Center and see our reception staff
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(231 Ratings)
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2happy_travels2014
Oct 7, 2025
Great way to experience the geologic wonders of the area! - Visited this wonderful park with my husband - we took the self-guided walking tour and had a fabulous few hours. We walked all three consecutive trails and spent about 2 hours. The trails are very well-maintained and allow you to experience beautiful flora and fauna, many birds, and the geologic wonders of the area. Buses are provided and several points to return you to the visitor center.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donaldhl7644ax
Oct 5, 2025
A Breathtaking Geothermal Walk - If you’re in Rotorua and enjoy nature, geology, or natives bush walks, Waimangu Volcanic Valley is strongly recommended. It provides a mix of earned effort, stunning natural scenery.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pamnord
Oct 5, 2025
A forest wonderland with fascinating geothermal features - This was the first geothermal park we have ever visited and it was amazing! We enjoyed it much more than Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland which we visited the next day - far less touristy (no crazy crowds) and a gorgeous forest setting. We did find the stinky steam to be a bit of a shock at first, but got over it relatively quickly (the kids learned to stay upwind as much as possible!).
We did all 3 tracks (approx 4km), which are mostly downhill (last track is mainly flat) - the uphill steps to the stunning teal blue Crater Lake are well worth it! There were many interesting geological and geothermal features to admire throughout the park, with the added bonus of an abundance of birdlife.
We skipped the cruise (our kids would have handled 45mins on a boat with very little grace) and caught the thoughtfully provided bus back to the Visitor Centre. Keep an eye on the time - you definitely don’t want to miss the last bus! It’s a long walk back uphill.
The Visitor Centre has a large-ish cafe and an excellent gift shop. Plus umbrellas to use during the walk - these came in very handy during our visit on a rainy day.
Highly recommend visiting Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Just be warned it is a bit expensive compared to the other thermal parks around Rotorua, but it is worth it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisa_h
Sep 30, 2025
As a family, we voted... - As a family, we voted this walk in our top three experiences. Excellent and friendly customer service, facilities at good spots and the walk itself was excellent as it had a bit of everything. From forest and wetlands to lakes and geothermal. We were caught in the rain the final 20 minutes and it was so nice to have the bus arrive on time and head back to the centre to dry off and have a quick lunch before departing. Kids loved it.
Review provided by Viator
Noahrg402gr
Sep 10, 2025
Geothermal Wonderland & Nature Walk - it was an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s youngest geothermal hotspots! The well-marked walking trails wind gently through lush native bush and spectacular geothermal features—ice-blue Inferno Crater, steaming vents, colorful silica terraces, and Frying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot spring
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Northstar63320866022
Jul 10, 2025
Stunning scenery - Always a lovely walk. The track is well maintained. There is a slip currently at one point but you get to see the best parts before then. The staff are lovely, the bus takes you back up the hill or can pick you up at points on the way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danr803
Jul 7, 2025
Really fascinating and beautiful place. - This was our favorite of the Volcanic sites in Rotorua. With the eruption that created it so recent (1886), it gives you a sense of the living changes in the landscape. While Wai-o-tapu had some sites that are unique in New Zealand, this felt more unique in the world. The walk is also quite tranquil and beautiful apart from the interesting story it tells.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jelliot32
Jun 14, 2025
Waimangu magic - We love the geothermal area around Rotorua. There is just nothing like it in Australia. Over a few years have probably visited all the tourist sites in the region and I reckon on favourite is Waimangu volcanic valley. It is an extensive site with lots of spectacular awesome features such as Fryin-pan Lake that but a walk through the valley while referring to the info in our 'Wanderer Guide' provides a great insight into the geological processes that created this awe-inspiring landscape, which was largely created by the great Tarawera eruption of 1886.
The fold-out guide is quite comprehensive and is a really valuable reference to have as you come to each of the marked landscape features
We did the 3.5 km walk from the park HQ down to the wharf on Lake Rotomahana in 2 hours, waiting half an hour and caught the bus back. We did not do the lake cruise not could we take the side-trek to Mt Haszard as this was closed when we visited. (Otherwise would have definitely done that too.)
Interestingly, we read the walk was suitable for those aged 0-64. We are both at least 5 years older than this supposed maximum and did not have any trouubles at all. I'd say any reasonably fit person can do the walk: it is mostly downhill, there are numerous benches to take a breather and you can always catch the bus back.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I2849lbmartinl
May 27, 2025
A Must-Visit in Rotorua! - The valley offers an incredible walk through geothermal landscapes with steaming vents, hot springs, and the famous Frying Pan Lake—one of the world’s largest hot water springs. The vibrant colors and otherworldly scenery made it feel like stepping into a different world.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrew_y
May 9, 2025
Superb valley walk. - The best volcanic experience we have done so far. Beautiful scenery and vegetation; fascinating pools, streams and geysers.
Review provided by Viator
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