Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walk - General Entry
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Explore the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a remarkable landscape created by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption and home to the world's youngest geothermal system. Follow walking trails through regenerating native bush, past steaming crater lakes, colourful mineral formations, and geothermal features found nowhere else in New Zealand. From the vivid waters of Inferno Crater to the vast expanse of Frying Pan Lake, every turn reveals another chapter in the valley's volcanic story.
Discover a landscape that continues to evolve today as you make your way through one of Rotorua's most significant geothermal attractions. Choose from a range of walking and hiking options to suit your fitness level, stopping to admire native birdlife, volcanic craters, silica terraces, and panoramic views across this unique corner of Aotearoa. With a detailed map and guide sheet included, you're free to explore the valley at your own pace.
Location
What you need to know
- Multiple New Zealand Eco-Tourism Award winner.
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley self-guided walk access
- On-site shuttle bus
- Guide sheet and map
- Food can be purchased from the Waimangu Café.
- Open from 8.30am daily
- Last entry 3.30pm
- This experience is located at 587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua 3073.
- Good walking shoes
- Water
- Rain/sun protection
- Camera
- Outside food cannot be consumed at the café; picnic areas are available for guests bringing their own food
- Self-guided walk and boat cruise information is available in multiple languages
- Standard walking tracks are easy and suitable for most ages and fitness levels
- Advanced hiking trails include steeper uphill sections
- Some areas are wheelchair accessible; wheelchair users must transfer to access the shuttle bus and boat
- Contact the operator before booking to discuss accessibility requirements
- Change your booking up to 72 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 72 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no-shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
