Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

Always a lovely walk. The track is well maintained. There is a slip currently at one point but you get to see the best parts before then. The staff are lovely, the bus takes you back up the hill or can pick you up at points on the way.

This was our favorite of the Volcanic sites in Rotorua. With the eruption that created it so recent (1886), it gives you a sense of the living changes in the landscape. While Wai-o-tapu had some sites that are unique in New Zealand, this felt more unique in the world. The walk is also quite tranquil and beautiful apart from the interesting story it tells.

We love the geothermal area around Rotorua. There is just nothing like it in Australia. Over a few years have probably visited all the tourist sites in the region and I reckon on favourite is Waimangu volcanic valley. It is an extensive site with lots of spectacular awesome features such as Fryin-pan Lake that but a walk through the valley while referring to the info in our 'Wanderer Guide' provides a great insight into the geological processes that created this awe-inspiring landscape, which was largely created by the great Tarawera eruption of 1886. The fold-out guide is quite comprehensive and is a really valuable reference to have as you come to each of the marked landscape features We did the 3.5 km walk from the park HQ down to the wharf on Lake Rotomahana in 2 hours, waiting half an hour and caught the bus back. We did not do the lake cruise not could we take the side-trek to Mt Haszard as this was closed when we visited. (Otherwise would have definitely done that too.) Interestingly, we read the walk was suitable for those aged 0-64. We are both at least 5 years older than this supposed maximum and did not have any trouubles at all. I'd say any reasonably fit person can do the walk: it is mostly downhill, there are numerous benches to take a breather and you can always catch the bus back.