We visited Waimangu in mid-winter on a drizzly day, which probably wasn't the best conditions, but it meant we had Waimangu almost to ourselves. This just heightened the feel of being on the set of Jurassic Park (without things chasing you). In 1886 Mount Tarawera ripped itself apart, and Waimangu is at the very end of the volcano's new chasm.... more

We had only enough time to do either the boat ride or walk, so we took the boat ride. We shared the boat with only 2 other people and the captain. It was late April and the weather was cool - mid-60's - and sunny. A beautiful day and it was late afternoon. There were scores of black swans in... more

We arrived at 3pm. This was too late for the boat trip but enough time to walk the 3.6km to the lake; in time for the 4:30pm return bus back to the entrance at the top of the grounds. The walk to the lake is downhill and through some spectacular scenery. The best place (in our opinion) was the Inferno... more

If you are traveling in the North Island, Waimangu Volcanic Valley is not to be missed! It is an amazing place, a highlight of our travels in New Zealand. Located south of Rotorua off the main highway. the turnoff is very modestly signposted so if you sneeze, you might miss it. There is a visitor's center, a full-service cafe (we... more