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You will see
- A protected scenic reserve and wildlife refuge
- Beautiful Lake Rotomahana and learn about the 1886 Mount Tarawera Volcanic Eruption
- Geothermal activity and sights that can only be seen from the boat
- Steaming volcanic crater lakes
- Unspoilt natural wilderness
Transport from the cruise ship to this attraction is not included in the ticket cost, you will need to make your own arrangements.
The 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption changed Lake Rotomahana dramatically, exploding it to 20 times its size. The lake now covers approximately 15 coalescing craters formed during the eruption. Fifteen years after that massive eruption, the lake reached its current height and is now the deepest in New Zealand's North Island. Lake Rotomahana is the newest of all New Zealand's larger, naturally formed lakes and is protected as a wildlife refuge, it's home to large numbers of birds all year round.
Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the worlds youngest geothermal system, at your own pace with a range of options for all abilities and ambitions.
Walks vary in length from the 1.5km features to 4.5km and cover a range of geothermal activity, nature and wildlife. At the end of your walk you can board a boat for a relaxing 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana. Listen to the full history of the Lake and Mount Tarawera Eruption from the on-board commentary and see geothermal sites not accessible by foot. Be sure to keep an eye out for the abundant native birdlife on the Lake.
At the end of your cruise, jump on one of our internal shuttles buses to return to the visitor centre.
- A full commentary in English on board the boat
- Admission fee
- Guide sheet (Available in a range of languages including Spanish, Swedish, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Hausa, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian)
- Internal shuttle bus transfers
- Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise
- Self-guided walk and hike
Not Included
- Transport from the cruise ship to this attraction is not included in the ticket cost, you will need to make your own arrangements.
- Transport to and from Waimangu Volcanic Valley. You could consider one of our self drive rental cars with a free and pre-programmed GPS
Instructions
- Allow at least 3.5 hours visiting time
- Download the ‘Waimangu’ App before arriving to view a range of hidden features and augmented reality during you visit
- Last admission 1.45pm
- The boat cruise operates at set times, please specify your preference when booking.
- The Waimangu shuttle bus will return you to the Visitor Centre at the end of your cruise. It is also available for transfers within the valley should you require them
Experience Schedule Options | ||
|---|---|---|
| start time | end time | |
Experience Prices (current) | |
|---|---|
| Adult price | NZ $98.00 |
| Child price (6 to 16 yrs) | NZ $34.50 |
Experience Prices (from: Tue 1 Jul 2025) | |
|---|---|
| Adult price | NZ $99.00 |
| Child price (6 to 16 yrs) | NZ $35.00 |
NOTE: Prices may vary depending on your Date of Travel.
Our Booking procedures quote the applicable prices before you commit to a Booking.
I am in a wheelchair. Is it possible for me to get around on the walk?
Waimangu staff will meet you on arrival to assist you with arrangements. Please allow a little extra time for this.
We will help you access the safe, flat areas of the walking track where you will see many of the geothermal features. The Inferno Crater and the Mt Haszard Hiking trail are not suitable for wheelchairs.
Wheelchairs must be lightweight and able to fold up to access the shuttle buses and the Lake Rotomahana boat. For safety reasons, we cannot provide access to motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Our shuttle buses do not have wheelchair lifts. You must be able to transfer from your wheelchair up steps onto the shuttle bus.
Wheelchair users must always be accompanied by at least one experienced wheelchair handler during the visit.
Please feel free to contact us for further information or specific details.
I am in a wheelchair. Is the boat cruise suitable for me?
To board the boat, you must be able to climb up several steps and step across an open space, above the water, between the boat and the jetty.
Wheelchair users must always be accompanied by at least one experienced wheelchair handler during the visit.
Please feel free to contact us for further information or specific details.
How long should we allow for the tour?
Please allow at least 3.5 hours for the walk and boat cruise. Last admission is 1345 for the 1540 boat
