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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.
See a complete list of Waimangu Volcanic Valley activities. This week's featured activities in Waimangu Volcanic Valley are: Featured Activities |
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Day Tour - Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Starting from NZ $34.50 per adult
Prime Rotorua tourist attraction, Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers self guided tours through spectacular geothermal activity in the world's youngest geothermal system. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is home to wonderful plant and bird life, thermal hot springs, steaming cliffs, volcanic craters and many more geothermal features.We are just 20 minutes South of Rotorua and 40 minutes North of Taupo. More... |
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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... |
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Seaplane Tour - Rotorua - Starting from around NZ $190.00 per person
Fly high over breathtaking volcanic landscapes on an unforgettable 30-minute seaplane flight from Rotorua. See New Zealand's world-famous volcanic scenery as you fly over spectacular Mt. Tarawera, the Blue and Green Lakes, and the gurgling geysers of Whakarewareewa Thermal Reserve. Flying at a time to suit you, this scenic air tour will fit into even the busiest of itineraries. More... |
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Half-day Coach Tour - Rotorua - Starting from around NZ $130.00 per person
Take a unique half-day journey through Rotorua's geothermal parks on a morning trip led by a local naturalist guide. You'll watch the Lady Knox Geyser erupt and see boiling mud pools and hot springs at Wai-O-Tapu. More... |
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Tour Rotorua
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Tour Rotorua Area
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