My husband and I visited Waimangu Volcanic Valley whilst we were in NZ on our honeymoon. We did the walk and the lake cruise and we loved every second of it. The views were stunning from the top of the valley, whilst lower down there was amazing thermal activity and a blue lake. You need to walk down to appreciate all the views, but you can catch a bus back to make it easier. We chose to walk back, but it was all uphill so not for the faint-hearted! The lake cruise was stunningly scenic, with lots of gorgeous black swans on the water, and was a nice way to relax before heading back. You need to take sunscreen(!), good sturdy walking shoes, a hat and have a reasonable level of fitness. One of the highlights of our trip!
This was the best part of visiting New Zealand for us. This 5km walk is great and so wondrous. The sights just leave you awestruck. I love nature so much and to see it so alive right under your feet really does a lot for the mind. I highly recommend this trip. And the good news is once you finish the 5km walk you can hop on a boat for a steamy lake tour or catch the bus back up where you started.
good place to spend half a day with plenty of interest for lovers of the natural world. It's basically down hill most of the way with enough seating should you need a rest. A reasonable level of fitness is required to reach the lake but there are 3 bus pick up points. Volcanic interest diminishes past bus stop 2 but the scenery is good. At the lake there is an option for a boat trip. Did not go so can comment on its value. If you have already visited Wai-O-Tapu you might find this a little understated. Still worth a visit though.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is of world importance. It is the youngest geothermal eco-system in the world. I'm no geologist, naturalist or scientist (actually that stuff can bore me!) but this was absolutely fascinating!It's a fascinating journey and look at a Valley that was created on 10 June 1886 by the volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera. Complete death and destruction was the immediate result of the volcanic eruption. Then new life naturally started to re-establish (flora & fauna) over the years. From complete devastation to breathe taking beauty!The boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana is beautiful & still has amazing thermal activity that can only be seen from the boat. It is amasing & beautiful!! Well worth the money. Definitely a "must do"!
The 3.6 km (2.1 mile) walk down the valley took us about 3 hours, with lots of stops to look at everything. It's mostly downhill, though there are a few side views with stairs. It's well paced, with things to stop and see all down the valley. Our favorites were the Infernal Pool with it's little 1m geyser by the stairs, and the great birdwatching all along the route. The best part? Knowing that you don't have to walk up the valley. Bus stops along the trail will take you back to the top. I do wish the buses ran a bit more frequently, but this is definitely worth the trip.
Really enjoyable walk down into the valley with amazing views and great photo opportunities! We particularly enjoyed the turquoise crater lake - worth the walk up all those steps! The best bits are at the start.
This is a spot that inspires awe with its trails through fern tree forests, volcanic peaks and thermal grounds. We had a guided walk which was worth it because Stephen pointed out numerous plants and ferns that we might not have been able to identify, described the history of volcanic activity as well as tourist history and showed us Frying Pan Lake, Echo Crater and other thermal spots. At one point he used a thermometer to show us the temperature of the earth at that spot in the woods (212 degrees F.). The boat cruise was pleasant but not as interesting as the guided hike with the exceptin of the chance to see one geyser go off. It was amazing to see tall hillsides, mountain height, covered with tall fern trees as well as pines. There are a nice exhibit area, lunch cafe and gift shop. too.
This attraction is a great walk with some beautiful views. The map clearly points out the important stops, and it's the right length. Although it's a tad expensive, I'd definitely recommend.
The first part of the walk is the best. So many viewpoints to amaze you. From bus stop 1 to 2 not so much and a lot of downward steps would be difficult for some. Caught the bus down to the lake and then back up. Didn't go on the boat. Very interesting place.
The colors of the pools in the craters are so astonishing!See them in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTq7WmDyqFg