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Waimangu
In 1886 Mount Tarawera erupted in a devastating explosion of ash and lava, ripping the mountain in
two and gouging a 17 kilometre 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
In the Maori language Waimangu means "black water". The area was once the location of the most
powerful geyser in the world; spewing black mud 460 metres (1,500 ft) into the air. While
the geyser became extinct in 1904, this beautiful valley still bears the name Waimangu. The Waimangu
Volcanic Valley is a 20 minute trip south from Rotorua that must not be missed.
The Emerald Pools
The Emerald Pools sit in one of the craters left behind by the 1886 Tarawera eruption,
nestled amongst stunning native bushland. The lush green colour of the pools is the result of
sphagnum moss, once used in healing for its extracting properties.
Warbrick Terrace
Former Waimangu guide Alfred Warbrick placed sandbags to slow the discharge of a spring, resulting
in this visual masterpiece. The terrace is a rolling formation of what looks like multicoloured liquid
rock; its colours a blend of gold, black, grey and rust. The unusual colouration is the result of algae,
iron oxide, hydroxide and silicate deposits.
Steaming Crater Lakes
Also worth a look are the other unique and beautiful crater lakes in the valley. Watch steam rise from
the tantalisingly blue Inferno Crater, and hear the crackling and sizzling of Frying Pan Lake.
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 $37.00 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 $295.00 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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Helicopter Tour - Rotorua - Starting from $695.00 per person
By Helicopter , combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera (for an approximate 20 minute guided walk with your pilot) with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. This tour highlights these amazing features unique to this region because of their location on our Faultline relative to the Pacific Rim of Fire. More... |
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Air Tour - Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Starting from $245.00 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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Air Tour - Rotorua - Starting from $565.00 per person
By Floatplane, from above Mount Tarawera impressive views include vast volcanic rifts, distant national parks and our treasured lakes. Flying south we gain an appreciation of what local Maori term the ‘Sisters of Fire’, where volcanic activity has pierced the earth surface across the fault line forming the reserves of Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu which, when viewed from above display a spectacular pallet of nature’s most vibrant colours. Landing at Orakei Korako, ‘the Hidden Valley’, is an amazing... More... |
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Tour Rotorua
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Tour Rotorua Area
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 Arista Capri Motel - Motel. Arista Capri Motel offers spacious rooms with free WiFi and a private 2-person spa pool. This motor inn is a 3-minute...
 Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self Guided Tours - Day Tour - Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Starting from NZ $37.00 per adult. Visit a prime Rotorua tourist attraction, the world's youngest geothermal system and the unique steaming landscapes and...
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