Waimangu

In the Maori language Waimangu means "black water" but whether this name is describing the dark waters of some of the pools in this incredible valley, or the dark event that created and shaped the area, Waimangu Valley is a 20 minute trip south from Rotorua that must not be missed.

In 1886 Mount Tarawera erupted in a devastating explosion of ash and lava, ripping the mountain in two and gouging a 17 kilometer rift into the landscape. Lake Rotomahana swelled to twenty times its size and the seven craters that make up the geothermal utopia that is Waimangu, were created.

Waimangu Valley, being the youngest geothermal site in the world, shows off the beauty left behind after a volcanic eruption. Thirty years after the explosion, plant life returned in abundance and the hot pools and springs display multicoloured rock and amazing coloured water.

Warbrick Terrace, a rolling formation of what looks like multicoloured liquid rock, is a visual masterpiece, its colours a blend of gold, black, grey and rust. The unusual colouration is the result of algae, iron oxide, hydroxide and silicate deposits.

The Emerald pools sit in one of the craters left behind by the 1886 Tarawera eruption. They are located among stunning native bushland. The lush green colour of the pools is the result of sphagnum moss, once used in healing for its extracting properties.

Also worth a look are Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake, a steaming body of water that is named due to the crackling, sizzling sounds that it makes.

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See a complete list of Waimangu Volcanic Valley activities.

This week's featured activities in Waimangu Volcanic Valley are:

Featured Activities

Rotorua Eco Thermal Small Group Full-Day Tour All-day Coach Tour - Rotorua - Starting from around NZ $220.00 per person Tour Rotorua's most popular geothermal parks and colorful lakes on a day trip led by a local naturalist guide. You'll see the Lady Knox Geyser erupt, visit the Lake Tarawera lookout and see boiling mud pools and hot springs at Wai-O-Tapu. Along the way, you'll learn all about volcanology, New Zealand's stunning flora and fauna, and Maori history from your naturalist guide.  More...

Waimangu Volcanic Valley Walk/ Mount Hazard Hike & Cruise Hiking - Walking - Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Starting from NZ $72.50 per person Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world's only geothermal system wholly created within written history. Walk through the craters and amazing geothermal features of this beautiful Valley. See volcanic activity, native plants and bird-life in one of the world's newest eco-systems. Try our advanced Mt Hazard hike high above the Valley floor. Your walk is followed by the Lake Rotomahana Cruise to see steaming cliffs, gushing hot springs and the site of the destroyed famous pink and white terraces. More...

Waimangu Volcanic Valley Round Trip - Groups of 10 or more Day Tour - Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Starting from NZ $109.50 per person At Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua, you'll find fascinating geothermal and volcanic features on your guided walk through regenerating native bush. See Frying Pan Lake - the World's largest hot water spring - and the amazing Inferno Crater's blue lake with its powerful geyser-like cycle and mysterious interaction with Frying Pan Lake. Delve into the history of the best of Rotorua's geothermal sites, lakes, mountains, and culture. More...

Waimangu Volcanic Valley Experience Day Tour - Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Starting from NZ $165 per person Hear & see the explosive story of Waimangu Volcanic Valley in Rotorua, New Zealand, and its regeneration from total devastation to vibrant life as the World's youngest geothermal system. Marvel at Frying Pan Lake, the World's largest hot water spring, and stunning Inferno Crater Lake with its mysterious cycle of filling, overflowing and emptying. Hot water springs & streams, towering steaming cliffs, delicate thermal plants & dramatic panoramas will delight and amaze you. More...

Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise Sightseeing Cruise - Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Starting from NZ $40.00 per person Enjoy a relaxing 45 minutes cruise on Lake Rotomahana, at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua, with full commentary from your skipper. Accessible only through Waimangu, this lake is a completely separate geothermal system featuring hot springs, geysers, fumeroles and steaming cliffs that can only be seen from the boat cruise. More...