Waimangu, Rotorua

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This is a spectacular volcanic hot spot, similar to Yellowstone but without the crowds. This is Rotorua's most impressive place to see. Some of the major highlights include the lakes inside huge volcanic craters, some still hot, warm volcanic streams, and mudpots.

Waimangu Thermal Valley is about 25km south of Rotorua. There is a walk through the valley which passes some amazing boiling pools. There is a small silica terrace at the end of the walk. You can access the shore of Lake Tarawera through here and see the brooding Mt Tarawera, still looking menacing after all these years.

You will find the world's largest hot spring and the amazing craters here in the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley. These craters were formed during the 1886 Tarawera Eruption. Amazing beauty, spectacular scenery, incredible geothermal activity, a nature lover's paradise of wildlife and plants. Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, Warbrick Terrace. A leisurely walk will take you around the hot lakes, boiling springs, silica terraces and native bush walks. Or take a boat trip on Lake Rotomahana, the largest crater of the 1886 Tarawera Eruption to the steaming cliffs, the site of the famous Pink and White Terraces. An internal shuttle bus which returns you from the end of your walk – this is the uphill part.

Open 8.30am - 5.00pm.
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Amazing geothermal activity in the volcanic craters formed in 1886 by the eruption of Mt Tarawera. Cool native bushwalks amidst huge hot-water springs and lakes, beautiful silica terraces and rare thermal plants. Boat cruises on picturesque crater Lake Rotomahana run 6 times daily. The world's newest geothermal system.

Couple of birds brave the warm waters at Waimangu... The steam is be generated by the hot spring dumping into the cooler lake... (birds dont seem to mind a bit.....)

A steaming ridge along the shores of Lake Rotormahana at Waimangu...

There is quite a bit of geothermal activity in this area.....