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Kevin Bowler
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
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587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua 3073
07 366 6137 http://www.waimangu.com Full DescriptionOther Environment Friendly InitiativesFounder 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.FacilitiesModern 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 CapacityWaimangu Volcanic Valley is large enough to offer you an amazing adventure in serene surroundings without the crowds often experienced in other tourist venuesActivitiesEasy to advanced walks and hikes through New Zealand bush Geothermal features Boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana Bird watchingTariffPlease contact our Customer Services team, or go to our website www.campervan.co.nzAll Year AvailableWe are open every day of the yearDirectionsTurn 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. |
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User Reviews
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There are: 2 reviews, with an average rating of out of 5
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"Our thanks to you for the wonderful tour you gave us during the 'Some Like it Hot' conference. A crowd of interpreters can be intimidating and unruly at times, but you did an amazing job keeping us together and moving, answering unending questions and giving us time to just stand and contemplate an awesome landscape. Everyone left wishing we'd had more time to explore and hear stories about the valley. Many of us recommended a visit to other conference delegates who hadn't gone on the field trip. Thank you for generously sharing your time, your site and your stories."
Debbie Wootton, Organiser, Some Like it Hot Conference Committee
Posted by Debbie Wootton on 2010-01-18 17:25:13
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We have received the Shore Evaluation Onboard Questionnaire Voyage Summary Report for Dawn Princess Cruise completed and scored by passengers onboard at the end of their voyage.
Princess Cruises advises that Shore Excursion ratings are expected to be at least at 85% and I am very pleased to advise that the tour including your venue, Waimangu Volcanic Valley & Lake Cruise, achieved an overall rating of 100.00 out of 100%. Congratulations and thanks for all your hard work! Chelsea Cherri, Operations Support, Sanctuary Cove, Queensland
Posted by Chelsea Cherri on 2009-04-24 18:36:14
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Please wait
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.