Rotorua

Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

From US$28.39

Select Date and Travelers

Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
  • 1 to 4 hours (approx.)
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Explore the geothermal landscape of Rotorua at your own pace on this self-guided Waimangu hiking tour. Follow winding hiking trails through Waimangu — the world’s youngest geothermal system — and marvel at the scenery you find. Admire unique geothermal features including Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake and Lake Rotomahana, and enjoy breathtaking views over hot springs and steam vents throughout the forest and grasslands. Along the way, gain insight into the geothermal activity from your guide sheet and watch for the native plant and animal life for which Waimangu is famous. Enjoy a much needed rest and take advantage of the shuttle bus to return you to the start at the end of your hike.
  • Independent hiking tour of Waimangu, Rotorua
  • Explore hiking trails through Waimangu at your own pace
  • Read your guide sheet for information on geothermal features including Inferno Crater Lake and Lake Rotomahana
  • Watch hot springs and steam vents bubbling and spurting in the forests and grasslands
  • Gain insight into the region’s diverse plant and animal life
  • Shuttle bus service from hiking trail end

What's Included

  • Admission Fee for Self-Guided Walk
  • Guide Sheet
  • Internal Shuttle Bus
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks (available to purchase)
  • Transport to/from attractions

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • 587 Waimangu Road
    587 Waimangu Road, Bay of Plenty 3073, New Zealand

    Come into the Waimangu Visitor Center and see our reception staff

Start time

12:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • 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.
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips


Definitely worth the visit Morning is best when the weather is cold A lot more visible steam rising Easy walk down and the benefit of getting the bus back up

Reviews

5.0
155 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 155 reviews
Amazing!
Gina_L, Apr 2023
It was an easy walk but there were so many amazing things to see! This has been our best vacation experience so far, well worth the money.
A beautiful walk in Waimangu volcanic valley
MaraElena_R, Mar 2023
A magnificent self-guided walk to learn more about the history of the place and enjoy those wonderful landscapes so characteristic of the area. Without a doubt totally recommended.
A highlight. Not to be missed
Geoffrey_C, Dec 2022
The valley offered one of the most spectacular and memorable walks we've taken. The paper guide for the walk was very informative. Our lake cruise was excellent with descriptions given by the skipper. Café staff were helpful. Sandwiches were tasty and the coffee was good.
Lovely morning walk
amylaurencunningham, Nov 2022
I had never been to a place like this before - it was like being in another world, like Jurassic Park. The bus back up the hill at the end was a perk too!
Fabulous
BichThuy_D, Oct 2022
A fantastic place to go. I did Wai-o-Tapu and Waimangu on the same day, and in my opinion Waimangu takes the win by far. The sights along the valley are simply breathtaking and I could just spend hours looking at the craters and pools (especially the Emerald lake). It helped that the weather was perfect. The landscapes there are fabulous, the trail is very easy to walk and you have options for more difficult hikes if you want. A must do (and pray that the weather is good!)
Waimangu was awesome!
Shannae_C, Oct 2022
Waimangu was an amazing experience to see all of the volcanic activity thats happening right now and reading about the history. Would definitely recommend this walk for anyone
Visit not to be missed
Tina_W, Jun 2021
Definitely worth the visit Morning is best when the weather is cold A lot more visible steam rising Easy walk down and the benefit of getting the bus back up
New Zealands walk of Gems
BryanColeman, Jan 2021
The walk had lakes and pools that I never knew existed even though we spent a lot of time in Rotarua in the past. These hidden gems added to the spectacular views and with children with us we were worried they might not want to walk the full track. How wrong we were, they were amazed and they all enjoyed the day. Luckily we asked about the boat cruise because even though we booked the boat we were turned down when we arrived. When we got back from the walk on the bus I mentioned that the boat was running again and we were quickly put back on the bus and made the final cruise of the day. All up a great experience for the young and old in our group of six.
A wonderful afternoon
chj, Jul 2020
Wonderfully rich experience of flora, fauna and geothermal activity in a spectacular historic and dynamic landscape
The acidic lake
Fruzsina_S, Jan 2020
The tour was really interesting and spectacular. The walkway was well built, walkable even with a pram. The bird lake, in the end, is a magical surprise.
A must!
Storyteller153596, Dec 2019
Definitely it was marvellous. The weather was perfect, the driver and the plane were perfect and it was so marvellous the views the pictures we took. A must !
A walk which is easily managed for...
Deborah P, Oct 2017
A walk which is easily managed for the most part, while also providing some challenge for those who want it. To see, first hand, the effect of Nature at her destructive best/worst, on a physical landscape, cannot fail to leave the walker with a sense of absolute awe. Boat trip on lake worth doing!
A great way to spend half a day and...
Donna_W, May 2016
A great way to spend half a day and experience so many sights and smells. We had perfect weather so the walk was very enjoyable.
Svensk
Irene_P, Mar 2023
Lätt tillgängligt. Mycket bra med hämtning med buss. Bra, men mycket info på en gång. Hade varit bra med en kort sammanfattning av varje punkt som man kunde ta med sig hem.
Super balade plus tranquille que...
marielaure_v, Jan 2017
Super balade plus tranquille que Wai-o-tapu moins spectaculaire mais tout au si belle. Le retour en bus car ce n'est pas une boucle est vraiment appréciable.

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