Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

Name: Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu
Brand: Waimangu Volcanic Valley
SKU: 29182P1
Price: 27.69 USD
Rating: 4.5 (188 reviews)

Badge of ExcellenceRotorua, New Zealand

1 to 4 hours
Offered in: English

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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, 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
Wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Stroller accessible
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.
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

Reviews

4.5

188 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 188 reviews

Amazing geothermal hike

KatieKingsbury, Apr 2024

I loved hearing the birds, seeing the earth bubbling, rumbling through the ferns and greenery. There were not many people on the route which made it fabulously intimate.

A beautifully wonderful adventure.

Chris_K, Mar 2024

Well organized, easy to follow, easy to do adventure to truly beautiful natural features, worth returning for.

It was very beautiful! If...

Meron_M, Feb 2024

It was very beautiful! If you’re a senior I recommend you purchase your ticket somewhere other than Viator. There was not the option when I booked but Viator did refund the $8 extra I had paid through them. Waimangu is the best value for money of all the Rotorua tourist spots.

Unique

Jackie_T, Feb 2024

Loved the self placed walk through the thermal park. Extremely interesting pamphlet that guides you along the way. Unique experience.

Take the walk!

Holly_S, Nov 2023

My husband and I loved this walk!! We saw so much on our 2 hour walk, and there are different paths to take depending on your abilities. As well as three bus stops incase you are ready to head back. The bush is currently tall along A-E and would not suggest climbing all those stairs.

Great spot

Zhaohan_W, Sep 2023

Very good! You can see different lakes and geothermal spots along the route which are definitely amazing, especially the inferno (blue as the photos). Also the hike is not difficult and is pleasant on a sunny day. There is free shuttle bus along the route as well. Definitely worth it.

great

Carol_D, Sep 2023

the weather was great just the right time of year for the vents steam to be seen in full activity the walk was so peaceful

Absolutely loved this walk!

Hannah_C, Jun 2023

Absolutely loved this walk! The scenery on this walk was unlike anything I'd every come across before! It was stunning! I found the information provided very insightful and interesting to learn about the history and geography of the surrounding areas. The boat trip was also fabulous with stunning views across the lake!

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!