Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua, New Zealand

http://www.waimangu.co.nz
Waimangu Volcanic Valley in Rotorua, New Zealand, is the youngest geothermal system in the world and it is the only geothermal system in the world wholly created within written history. Walk or hike at your own pace through amazing craters and geothermal features. See volcanic activity, native plants and bird-life in the newest geothermal system in the world. Click here to view an interactive map of the valley and its walks and boat cruise http://www.waimangu.co.nz/Waimangu-Volcanic-Valley/Interactive-Map_IDL=250_ID...

Or call our friendly team on telephone +64 7 366 6137.

Try the advanced Mt Haszard hike high above the Valley floor. This hike does require good fitness but is well worth the effort. You'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Valley and surrounding region, including Rainbow Mountain, Mt Tarawera and Lake Rotomahana. You'll see towering lava cliffs plunging 56 metres deep into Fairy Crater, and the massive lava outcrops and steaming pink and red soil of the Raupo Pond and Black Craters.

Waimangu also offers a range of easy ecology-focused walks through the craters of the beautiful Waimangu Volcanic Valley, following a predominantly downhill path. Walk beside a hot water stream and see the new silica terraces forming in the Valley: the cream and gold Marble Terraces and the Warbrick Terrace, its delicate ripple terraces and the way in which it is forming so reminiscent of the world renowned Pink & White Terraces destroyed and drowned during the 1886 Tarawera volcanic eruption.

You can then take one of our courtesy shuttle buses back up the valley to the Waimangu Entrance, or follow your walk with a cruise on Lake Rotomahana (accessible only through Waimangu) to see a separate geothermal system of steaming cliffs, hot springs, geysers and fumaroles as well as the site of the destroyed famous Pink & White Terraces.

Enjoy a relaxing 45 minutes cruise, with full commentary from your skipper as he shows you sights that can only be viewed from the boat cruise. Take a moment to think how this beautiful body of water was formed, born out of the devastation of the mighty 1886 Tarawera Eruption. Fifteen years after the eruption Rotomahana had reached its current height and can now lay claim to the title of deepest lake in the North Island and newest of all New Zealand's larger, naturally formed lakes.

The unspoilt, tranquil beauty of the lake and its surroundings are protected from development, and the area is now a wildlife refuge which large numbers of birds make their home all year round.

For the Walking Tour and Boat Cruise allow approximately 3 hours and make sure you dress for the weather including good walking shoes. At the end of your walk enjoy food and refreshments in our Café Nature@Waimangu, or browse our gift shop stocked with New Zealand made gifts and souvenirs.

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