Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Lake Rotomahana Tour
Description
Discover the dramatic volcanic history and breathtaking geothermal landscapes of Rotorua on this unforgettable full-day journey through one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary natural environments.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the dramatic volcanic history and breathtaking geothermal landscapes of Rotorua on this unforgettable full-day journey through one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary natural environments. Departing from the Tauranga Port Gates, the tour begins with a scenic drive past Mount Maunganui and a stop at the beautiful Mount Main Beach, famous for its white sands, surf coastline, and views of the iconic Mauao. Leaving Tauranga behind, we travel inland across the Kaituna River and journey south through Rotorua toward the spectacular Waimangu Volcanic Valley — the world’s youngest geothermal valley, created by the massive eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886.
The experience begins with a guided one-hour walk descending through the valley, surrounded by steaming landscapes, native bush, volcanic craters, and remarkable geothermal features. Along the way, discover the famous Frying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot spring, the vividly coloured Inferno Crater, and numerous steaming vents, terraces, and geothermal formations shaped by the power of the eruption. At the lower end of the valley, a short shuttle ride takes us to the shores of beautiful Lake Rotomahana for a relaxing 45-minute boat cruise across the lake. During the cruise, hear the dramatic story of the Mount Tarawera eruption and the destruction of the legendary Pink and White Terraces, once considered the Eighth Wonder of the Natural World. As we explore the lake’s edge, witness steaming cliffs, geothermal springs, geysers, and water spouts emerging directly from the shoreline — a powerful reminder of the volcanic forces still active beneath the region today.
Leaving Waimangu behind, we continue south for a visit to the famous Wai-O-Tapu mud pools, where bubbling and splattering geothermal mud creates one of Rotorua’s most fascinating natural spectacles. The return journey includes a stop at the magnificent Redwoods Forest, renowned for its towering Californian redwood trees and peaceful atmosphere, before continuing through the fertile Bay of Plenty countryside to a kiwifruit orchard in Paengaroa. Here, guests can learn about New Zealand’s world-famous kiwifruit industry and the region’s rich horticultural heritage. Returning to Tauranga Harbour, the Waimangu Volcanic Valley & Lake Rotomahana Tour combines geothermal wonders, volcanic history, native landscapes, and unforgettable scenery into one remarkable Bay of Plenty adventure.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(40)
A great place to visit to experience a great variety of geothermal landscapes. Not crowded with 3 different walks including a bus ride back at the end taking you to the visitor centre and restaurant. Homemade cake and a cup of tea is highly appreciated.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us.
Tracy was a great guide. Knew everything about the flora and fauna as well anything geothermal. Great tour of the lake as well.
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We enjoyed a fabulous day with Robert who picked us up from the Cruise port. Very convenient and stress-free! He took his time to show us all the sights around Tauranga before starting us on the drive to the geothermal Valley. As a retired school, principal, Robert made the hike through the Geothermal Valley most interesting with knowledgeable insights about the region’s geological features, flora, and birds. He made many stops to allow us to take photographs of the landscape. The boat ride on the lake was the cherry on the day’s tour: the captain took us right up to the boiling furmoroles. We had great pictures!
We're ecstatic to read your review! Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we're delighted to have met your expectations.
The tour was great, Robert, our guide was super friendly, knowledgeable and kind. We had a great time and the views are amazing. Totally worth it.
Thank you for your kind review. We're dedicated to providing top-notch service, and your feedback reinforces our commitment.
Very interesting point to view. It is the wonder of nature. The tour guide Robert is very professional and nice. A good tour!
We're over the moon to receive your glowing review! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Robert was a great guide and explained all of the geothermal activities in an interesting way. The valley itself was beautiful and the lake trip was fun. We even stopped at a kiwi farm.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated. We're committed to excellence, and your review reinforces our efforts.
Our driver /guide Robert was professional and knowledgeable about New Zealand and its history . After a brief tour of the Tauranga coastline we proceeded to a redwood forest then to the geothermal tour which included a Māori dance presentation. We finished with a kiwi tasting on our return. Very worthwhile 6 hour tour
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us.
The visit was beautiful and vastly different from a similar experience in Iceland. It felt a bit rushed as is the nature of a shore excursion when you are tied to the schedule of the ship and it seems there is always at least one person who slows down the group by holding it. Some guides impart enthusiasm (or at least pretends to) and comeraderie and others find it to be a job to move the group from A to B. Our guide was the latter which is OK but makes it feel more like a school field trip than adult day trip.
Hi Cynthia, Thank you for your review. There was plenty of time that day to get back to the ship within the allocated time of the tour. There is also an allocated time slot to do the boat ride around the lake so it is important that the walk down to the lake does progress, but 2 hours is usually more than enough time to complete the walk with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the scenery. Your guide is generally very enthusiastic doing a fantastic job of managing the groups and gets great reviews on his tours. I do believe he was getting a little frustrated with part of your group that day as you have alluded too already. It is important people are considerate of the other people on the tour and don't go wandering off.
Our excursion guide was excellent, staying with us the entire time we hiked the long beautiful trail along the geothermal river to the lake and the boat tour around the lake.
We're delighted to know that you enjoyed your time with us. Your positive feedback means the world to us.
The valley is very interesting and very nice. The tour is fantastic. We had a great time with Russel.
Gracias por tomarte el tiempo de dejar una reseña tan positiva. Nos sentimos honrados de haber recibido tus elogios.
