Waimangu Volcanic Valley

587 Waimangu Road Rotorua 3073
07 366 6137
www.waimangu.com

Full Description

Waimangu Volcanic Valley, in Rotorua, New Zealand, is the world's youngest geo-thermal system, the only one wholly created within written history,and which can be pinpointed to an event - the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera. Walk or hike through pristine New Zealand bush, past volcanic craters, interactive thermal activity between Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater, rare plants regenerating from total devastation,  hot springs, newly regenerating silica terraces and abundant exotic bird-life.

Waimangu offers easy, ecology-focused walks and tours through the beautiful Waimangu Volcanic Valley, following a predominantly downhill path. Walk beside a hot water stream and see silica terraces forming in the Valley: the cream and gold Marble Terraces and the Warbrick Terrace, its delicate ripple terraces so reminiscent of the destroyed Pink & White Terraces.

The advanced Mt Haszard hike high above the Valley floor requires good fitness but is well worth the effort. You'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Valley and surrounding region, including Rainbow Mountain, Mt Tarawera and Lake Rotomahana. Towering lava cliffs plunge deep into Fairy Crater, and massive lava outcrops and steaming pink and red soil frame the Raupo Pond and Black Craters.

Take our courtesy shuttle bus back to the Waimangu Entrance, or join a cruise on Waimangu's Lake Rotomahana to see a separate geothermal system of steaming cliffs, hot springs, geyers and fumeroles.  his relaxing 45 minutes cruise with full commentary reveals sights that can be viewed only from our cruise.

Lake Rotomahana is the deepest lake in the North Island and newest of all New Zealand's larger, naturally formed lakes.  The unspoilt, tranquil beauty of the lake and its surrounding environment are protected from development, and form a wildlife refuge for large numbers of birds all year round.  And out in the middle of the lake is Patiti Island, currently being restored by Waimangu Volcanic Valley Ltd to a predator-free state and an eventual sanctuary for endangered New Zealand native birds.

For the Walking Tour and Boat Cruise allow approximately 3 hours. Ensure you dress for the weather, including good walking shoes.

Other Environment Friendly Initiatives

Founder member of Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter, the first of its kind in New Zealand.
One of the first 10 NZ companies to embrace Triple Bottom Line principles reporting (TBL), which monitors and reports over environmental, social & economic dimensions.
In another first, together with NZ's Department of Conservation (DOC) we have a "Shared Responsibility" agreement with a vision and management plan for the entire Waimangu Scenic Reserve.
At the invitation of DOC we are undertaking the environmental restoration of Patiti Island, to provide a safe haven for endangered NZ birds and insects.
We buy locally produced goods and services.
We employ local people and provide bus transport to and from work, eliminating the need for up to 10 cars.
We produce all our own water.
We plant trees and restore native vegetation to offset emissions.

Facilities

Modern Visitor and Information Centre, with a quality, well stocked gift shop.
Cafe offering extensive range of snacks, meals and drinks. Enjoyrefreshments either indoors, or outdoors on our large terrace overlooking the valley where you'll often have the privilege of watching native Tui songbirds sip on nectar from flax heads.
Full toilet facilities
Large parking area for all vehicles.
Courtesy shuttle bus continually circles the Valley.

Total Capacity

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is large enough to offer you an amazing adventure in serene surroundings without the crowds often experienced in other tourist venues

Activities

Easy to advanced walks and hikes through New Zealand bush
Geothermal features
Boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana
Bird watching

Tariff

Please contact our Customer Services team, or go to our website www.campervan.co.nz

All Year Available

We are open every day of the year

Directions

Turn left 14 kms South of Rotorua off State Highway 5 (the Rotorua Taupo Highway), and drive 6 kms along Waimangu Road to the entrance and carpark.