The Waimangu Valley : A Geothermal Wonderland

Last week I went along to one of New Zealand's thermal parks, Waimangu Valley.

Waimangu is special due to being the only geothermal system in the world that was created in written history that being the last 5000 years. When the Tarawera Eruption of 1886 occurred, it wiped out all life here and altered the landscape. This was essentially the birth of a new eco-system.

Located just outside of Rotorua, Waimangu is a sprawling park that is home to some amazing geothermal features including the famous frying pan lake crater.

If you want to see some unique nature and learn along the way, Waimangu is a great place to visit.

At the start of the unguided walk, is this beautiful view of the valley below.

Your Visit

There are a number of ways you can explore this park.

There is the unguided tour where you can wander around the park at your own pace and go visit the geothermal features, guided by a really informative pamphlet that you get upon entry. Upon reaching the end of the walk, there is a bus at the end which will take you back to the start.

There is also a boat tour, which will take you on Lake Rotomahana, one of the deepest lakes in the North Island. In the 19th century, people used to come to this spot to see the beautiful pink and white terraces, which were ultimately destroyed in 1886.

Another option to explore the lake is through a guided kayak tour.

You can also do combos where you do both the walk and the boat tour, and explore both the park and lake.

Frying Pan Crater Lake - One of the World’s largest hot springs

Highlights

Frying Pan Lake - One of the world's largest hot springs. Surrounded by regenerating vegetation and cliffs, this is a gorgeous spot to explore

Inferno Crater Lake - The lake changes colour depending on conditions and can go from dull blue to bright brill sky blue. This is the largest geyser like feature in the world. The geyser is located at the bottom of the lake.

The colours - The varying colours of this brilliant geothermal landscape is beautiful. From greens to reds and yellows. The colours are dazzling and almost seems like the palette of an artist’s canvas.

Education - I love the educational element to this place. The pamphlet you get on entry has a lot of interesting information about each feature along the walk. I learned a lot.

Sustainability - see below

Sustainability Ventures

Another thing I love about this park, is it’s commitment to the environment. Not only in preserving this fragile ecosystem, but in a number of great initiatives in place.

Solar Panels - installed at the visitor centre, these help power the cafe and visitor centre

Recycling

Reducing food waste at the Cafe, one way in which they are doing this is a worm farm on-site. Vegetable scraps and coffee grounds can be placed in this worm farm

Bus - They offer a bus service to their staff from Rotorua to the valley

Quick facts before your visit

Where - 587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua

Opening hours - 8:30am - 5:00pm (Last Entry 3:30pm). Closed Christmas.

Parking - yes and free

Entry fee - $30 for self guided. $35 for boat tour, Boat and walk combo $50.

Tour length - 45 minutes for boat tour, one hour and 45 minutes for self guided walk depending on your pace.

Covid Regulations - Masks in the visitor centre and on boat and bus, vaccine passport required.

This was a hosted visit, but all thoughts and opinions are my own and are authentic.