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All 61 Rotorua Attractions »

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Rotorua, New Zealand
64 7 366 6137
Ranked #1 of 37 attractions in Rotorua
4.5 of 5 stars 77 Reviews
Type: Hot Springs/ Geysers
Owner description: Waimangu Volcanic Valley near Rotorua, New Zealand's thermal centre, is a geothermal destination for all to enjoy whatever your age or fitness level....... more » Owner description: Waimangu Volcanic Valley near Rotorua, New Zealand's thermal centre, is a geothermal destination for all to enjoy whatever your age or fitness level. Created from the massive 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, Waimangu today offers a choice of easy walks through volcanic craters, advanced hikes and the Lake Rotomahana boat cruise. Depending on how much time you have to wander through our valley, activities range in duration from 45 minutes to over 4 hours. Outdoor activity, peaceful New Zealand bush, unique ecology, rare and unusual botany and stunning geothermal features - discerning travellers agree that Waimangu is the ‘must do’ Rotorua experience that you can’t go past. « less
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77 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
mistuk
Amesbury, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews
5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 February 2012 NEW

This was the first time I'd done this trip, so didn't know what to expect. The walk from the start to the lake is about four miles long, and is quite steep in places, although it is mainly downhill. You would be advised to wear reasonable walking shoes - I don't think flip flops would cut it! Some of the... More

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Theoden9
Clinton, Michigan
Reviewer
5 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 February 2012 NEW

Putting my shoe on a bubbling volcanic vent and feeling the boiling vibrations might not be the smartest thing I've ever done, but it tells you just how up close you can get to geo thermal activity at this park. It's a really great walk and they have an included bus that takes you back to the visitor's center so... More

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TheBirdSpokane
Spokane
Top Contributor
50 reviews
34 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 February 2012

Went there ars part of an organized tour. Loved the 2.5 mile to the lake, along thermal areas and the largest hot springs of the world. Did not do the boatscruise at the lake, but did take the shuttle bus back to the visitor center (goes often; included in the entrance price). Less crowded here then at Waiomatu. More

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Sarah B
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Contributor
13 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 February 2012

We hit two parks in the area, and Waimangu was our favorite, hands-down. It was extremely quiet and off the beaten path, allowing us to experience the splendor at our own pace and without the distraction of crowds. The walk was rolling and easy, with only a few spots requiring a bit of huff and puff, and views well worth... More

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little_ostow
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
30 reviews
24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Waimangu covers a large area, requires good walking shoes and plenty of sun protection to enjoy its attractions. The walk took about 2 hours having taken the Mt Haszard trail, did not take the boat tour as I thought it was pricey. The surrounding is lusious with different kinds of ferns and greenery dotted along the track, providing some shades.... More

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judsk
Ashkelon, Israel
Senior Contributor
25 reviews
3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Liked the tour in the site, the geyser, the bubbling mud, the scenery More

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ExperiencePriceless
Auckland, New Zealand
Reviewer
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Great experience at the world's newest geothermal region. A mecca for geothermal lovers, also for walkers, rock lovers and everyone else. The lake boat ride was facinating seeing the massive volcano Mt Tarawera. So much history. Must see!! More

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spcurly
Sydney
Contributor
16 reviews
7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Looking out over the valley when you first arrive, it looks almost prehistoric - all that's missing is the dinosaur wandering amongst the trees! Steaming lakes, massive craters, awesome views! The price is reasonable and covers the cost of entry and internal shuttle buses (which are worth every cent to drive you UP out of the valley you walk into!)... More

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d_jones25
Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
42 reviews
8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

A terrific walk in a beautiful valley with really interesting 'volcannic' things to see. A regular bus means you only need walk one way. More

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AdamandElodie
Contributor
14 reviews
6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 January 2012
3
people found this review helpful

We decided to do waimangu instead of te puia and do not regret it. We were right in the nature away from the tourist crowd and still saw a great deal. The walk was really nice and easy and what you see is very impressive. You feel very close to it which make you feel like you are discovering it.... More

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