Tours & tickets

Lake Rotomahana

Discover Waimangu Volcanic Valley on a self-guided walk or hike with an entry ticket. This spectacular natural attraction is just a 20 minute drive south of Rotorua or 40 minute drive north of Taupo. Check-in at reception then enter the valley at your leisure between 08:30 and 15:00.  Explore the walking and hiking trails through Waimangu at your own pace, with a range of options for all abilities and ambitions. Wind through the geothermal landscape and admire panoramic views over natural attractions including Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake and Lake Rotomahana. Discover sweeping geothermal terraces, hot springs and steam vents all set amongst a beautiful native forest and grassland. Keep watch for native wildlife unique to Waimangu's geothermal terrain.  If you’re looking for a bit more of an expedition, opt for an invigorating hike along the Mount Haszard Hiking Trail. Journey high above the valley floor for superb panoramic views of the unique landscape. At the end of your walk or hike at Lake Rotomahana, you will return to the reception area by complimentary shuttle bus to conclude your independent tour. You can also use the regular shuttle bus to transfer between bus stops in the valley, reducing walking distances.

Experience the raw power and vibrant beauty of Rotorua's geothermal wonders on a small-group morning tour to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Designed for a more personal and intimate experience, this tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide who will share fascinating insights into the region's unique geological history and natural phenomena. Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from your Rotorua city accommodation between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM. Settle in for a scenic drive, winding through lush forestry and picturesque farmland, setting the stage for the incredible sights to come. Your first stop is the impressive Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Prepare to be mesmerized as you encounter New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, a captivating display of the earth's internal energy. Embark on a one-hour guided walk, exploring Wai-O-Tapu's truly amazing landscape of colourful hot springs and diverse thermal features. The highlight of your visit will be witnessing the spectacular Lady Knox Geyser eruption at 10:15 AM, a powerful display of nature's artistry. Next, the tour takes you to the dramatic Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley. Here, your guide will vividly recount the story of the devastating 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, an event that dramatically reshaped the landscape and blew open this spectacular, now beautifully regenerated, bush-covered geothermal park. Enjoy another one-hour guided walk, exploring huge active hot springs and a variety of other thermal features that showcase the ongoing geothermal activity of this unique valley. Around 12:00 PM, you'll pause for a well-deserved lunch break (30min) at the charming Waimangu Volcanic Valley Cafe, allowing you to relax and reflect on the morning's incredible discoveries. Following lunch, you will be comfortably dropped back to your accommodation or the city center between approximately 1:00 PM, concluding an unforgettable morning immersed in Rotorua's geothermal heart.

Discover Waimangu Volcanic Valley on a self-guided walk or hike with an entry ticket. Explore a spectacular natural attraction, is just a 20 minute drive south of Rotorua or 40 minute drive north of Taupo. Check-in at reception then enter the valley at your leisure. Explore the walking and hiking trails through Waimangu at your own pace, with a range of options for all abilities and ambitions. Wind through the geothermal landscape and admire panoramic views over natural attractions including Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake and Lake Rotomahana. Discover sweeping geothermal terraces, hot springs and steam vents all set amongst a beautiful native forest and grassland. Keep watch for native wildlife unique to Waimangu's geothermal terrain. Opt for an invigorating hike along the Mount Haszard Hiking Trail if you choose. Journey high above the valley floor for superb panoramic views of the unique landscape. Finish your walk or hike at Lake Rotomahana, and return to the reception area by complimentary shuttle bus to conclude your independent tour. Use the regular shuttle bus to transfer between bus stops in the valley, reducing walking distances.

Discover Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the youngest geothermal system in the world, with a self-guided nature walk and boat cruise. The valley is located just a 20-minute drive south of Rotorua or a 40-minute drive north of Taupo. Begin your adventure with an ecology-focused 1.5-hour to 2-hour self-guided walk through the valley. Explore at your own pace along trails ranging from 1.5km to 4.5km, that cater for all fitness levels & to all abilities. Admire stunning natural attractions like Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater Lake. Encounter sweeping geothermal terraces, hot springs, and steam vents, set amongst native forest and grassland. You can also use the regular internal shuttle bus to transfer between bus stops in the valley to reduce walking distances. Then, board the Ariki Moana for a 45-minute cruise. Sit back and relax indoors or outside as you take in the tranquillity of Lake Rotomahana. Cruise past Patiti Island, into Starhill Crater, keeping an eye out for the lake's abundant native birdlife. Marvel at beautiful geysers, and different geothermal sights that can only be seen from the water. Learn the lake's history and about the Mount Tarawera eruption from your skipper. At the end of your cruise, return to the reception area by complimentary shuttle bus or enjoy a return walk, perhaps along a different track.

The tour begins when your friendly guide picks you up and shuttles you from Rotorua out to the enriching Waimangu Volcanic Valley. You then journey on foot through the heart of the Waimangu Valley, a dynamic volcanic area that stands testament to Rotorua’s amazing geological history. Your knowledgeable guide is available to answer any questions about the unique landscapes, native forest, colourful terraces, and geothermal features. Your walk will lead you to Lake Rotomahana, where the adventure part of your activity begins. Your guide will provide you with all necessary equipment, then run through safety and basic kayak instruction before you take the helm on the water. From here you will kayak a short distance before being captivated in a spectacular geothermal display of steaming cliffs and colourful landscapes. From your kayak you will have a unique vantage point and perspective of the raw beauty and power these geysers create. Your guide will share the story of the valley along with insight to Maori culture and heritage of the area. This is an activity you will never forget!

Explore the Waimangu Volcanic Valley on a day trip from Auckland. Discover the world's youngest geothermal system and see the dramatic geothermal features, native flora, and unique wildlife. Start your adventure with a convenient hotel pickup at Auckland CBD or Auckland Airport Hotels. After a scenic drive, arrive at your first stop in the charming town of Tirau, nestled in the heart of the Waikato region. Known for its distinctive corrugated iron sculptures and vibrant small-town atmosphere, Tirau provides a delightful 15-minute break. Stretch your legs, use the clean restroom facilities, and savor a coffee or light refreshment at a local café. The town’s iconic dog and sheep-shaped buildings offer great photo opportunities and a taste of Tirau’s creative spirit. On the way to Waimangu, pick up and drop off fellow tourists in Rotorua who have booked for other attractions. Created by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, Waimangu is a haven of dramatic geothermal features, native flora, and unique wildlife, all nestled within a stunning volcanic landscape. Take a self-guided walk through a series of striking geothermal features, including steaming craters, bubbling hot springs, vibrant silica terraces, and the unique Frying Pan Lake, the world's largest hot spring. Waimangu is not just about geothermal marvels; it's also an important ecological reserve. The valley is home to a range of native bird species and is a thriving example of nature’s ability to regenerate after volcanic devastation. Enjoy sightings of rare plant species and a rich birdlife as you explore the valley's lush landscapes. Throughout the tour, learn about the geological and cultural history of the region, the impact of the Tarawera eruption, and how geothermal activity shapes the environment. Informative panels and commentary on the boat cruise enrich the experience by explaining the ongoing volcanic processes and the valley's unique ecosystem. After lunch, take a driving highlights tour of Rotorua, while picking up other tourists from other attractions and dropping off anyone who is checking in to Rotorua Hotels. On your return journey, enjoy the serene beauty of the Waikato River. This picturesque stop offers stunning views, perfect for stretching your legs and soaking in the natural surroundings. Conclude your exciting day of exploration with a drop-off at your hotel in Auckland CBD.