1 / 3Waimangu Volcanic Valley
π Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Best for families who like a proper walk. A mostly downhill four kilometre trail past Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater to Lake Rotomahana, with a free shuttle back up and an optional 45 minute boat cruise. Cafe on site.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is an amazing place to explore, with steaming vents, vivid geothermal pools and a trail that takes you through constantly changing volcanic landscapes. The walk is mostly easy and wzellβmarked, with plenty of viewpoints to stop for photos and take in the colours and activity around the valley. The lake at the end is beautiful, and the optional boat trip adds even more to the experience. It feels peaceful despite the geothermal energy all around. A fantastic visit for nature lovers, walkers and anyone interested in New Zealandβs unique volcanic scenery.
π Family Action Verdict
The best pick for a family that likes walking: the whole route is downhill, the shuttle stops let you bail when little legs tire, and there is a lot to look at every few hundred metres. Allow about three hours for the walk and cruise. The side climb up to Inferno Crater has stairs and is the highlight, so do it early while everyone is fresh.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β2,820 Google reviews
GraduatedWithoutHonor
βWaimangu Volcanic Valley is an amazing place to explore, with steaming vents, vivid geothermal pools and a trail that takes you through constantly changing volcanic landscapes. The walk is mostly easy and wzellβmarked, with plenty of viewpoints to stop for photos and take in the colours and activity around the valley. The lake at the end is beautiful, and the optional boat trip adds even more to the experience. It feels peaceful despite the geothermal energy all around. A fantastic visit for nature lovers, walkers and anyone interested in New Zealandβs unique volcanic scenery.β
Aram Lecis
βNice stroll through a few different areas that mix thermal pools, wetlands and lots of gorgeous views. It's an out and back but there is also a bus that can pick you up at a few different spots if you aren't up for the walk back all the way. There is also a chance to take a boat around the lake at the end, we didn't do that but it looked like it could be worth your time as well.β
Chong Wei Lim
βA 2-hour mostly downhill hike through interesting geothermal features. Informative signs and helpful staff helped my family enjoy the outdoor experience. Many rest points and scenic spots for photos. A bonus was the close-up view of wildlife. Our boat captain, Ryan, provided an informative and excellent boat cruise around the lake.β
S Russo
βAbsolutely amazing!!! Worth every penny. The hike is all down hill with a shuttle to take you back to the top. In my opinion, just hike the first 2 parts. Do NOT miss the hike up to Inferno crater Lake. Itβs not that many stairs that is totally worth it. In my opinion, the highlight of the whole place.β
Reviews from Google
Overview
Waimangu is the valley blasted out by the 1886 Tarawera eruption, twenty minutes south of Rotorua, and the youngest geothermal system in the world. A well-formed trail drops about four kilometres past steaming Frying Pan Lake, the eerie blue Inferno Crater and hot creeks lined with coloured algae to a jetty on Lake Rotomahana, where a 45 minute narrated cruise passes the site of the lost Pink and White Terraces. A free shuttle bus stops along the road so you walk down and ride up.
