Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is the youngest geothermal system in the world, created by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption, and features the vivid Inferno Crater Lake along with hot springs, craters, and native bush along a one-way downhill walking trail. Unlike some other geothermal parks, it's set within a scenic valley with lush surrounding vegetation, giving it a somewhat different, greener character.
Most visitors walk the main trail downhill (about 1-1.5 hours) and take a shuttle bus back up, or continue by boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana at the end for those wanting to see the site of the buried Pink and White Terraces from the water.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley FAQs
The entire valley was created by the catastrophic 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption, making its geothermal features geologically very recent compared to most other thermal areas.
About 1-1.5 hours one-way downhill along the main trail; a shuttle bus is available to bring you back to the start.
Yes, a cruise on Lake Rotomahana at the end of the trail (booked separately or as a combo) covers the area where the famous Pink and White Terraces were buried in 1886.
A striking, vividly coloured crater lake within the valley, one of its most photographed features.
About 20-25 minutes' drive southeast.
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