# Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Source: https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/bay-of-plenty/rotorua/waimangu-volcanic-valley-plc_fr5rrmee5n7dz/

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Attraction

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is a geothermal area south of Rotorua formed by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption, with craters, hot springs and Lake Rotomahana linked by a network of walking tracks. Visitors follow a mostly one-way trail through the valley, with track options ranging from about 1.5km to 4km, and can add a boat cruise on the lake. The site is open daily, with last admission set before closing time.

## Tours and tickets for Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Tours and tickets from an approved affiliate partner. Prices and availability are confirmed by the partner.

- Sponsored (GetYourGuide): [](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Waimangu%20Volcanic%20Valley%2C%20New%20Zealand&partner_id=NNYQ1IK&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=place-waimangu-volcanic-valley)

## How to get there

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is about 19km south of Rotorua on State Highway 5, roughly a 20-minute drive. There is on-site parking, and the valley is laid out as a one-way walk from the entrance down to Lake Rotomahana, with a shuttle bus available to bring visitors back up from the lake. No public bus service runs directly to the site, so most visitors arrive by car, rental vehicle, or organised tour from Rotorua.

Approximate location: -38.28504, 176.38629

## Hotels near Waimangu Volcanic Valley

- [Hotels in Rotorua](https://godosomething.fun/hotels/new-zealand/bay-of-plenty/rotorua/)

## More in Rotorua

- [Things to do in Rotorua](https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/bay-of-plenty/rotorua/)
- [What to Do in Rotorua? Match the Experiences to Your Trip](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/what-to-do-in-rotorua/)
- [How Many Days Do You Need in Rotorua?](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/how-many-days-in-rotorua/)

## Quick answers

**How far is Waimangu Volcanic Valley from Rotorua?**

Waimangu is about 19km south of Rotorua on State Highway 5, roughly a 20-minute drive by car, with on-site parking available at the entrance.

**How long does a visit to Waimangu take?**

Walking track options range from about 1.5km, around an hour, to 4km, under two hours; a shuttle bus returns visitors uphill from Lake Rotomahana at the trail's end.

![A steaming volcanic crater lake surrounded by bare, mineral-streaked slopes.](https://cdn.godosomething.fun/media/site__place-new-zealand-rotorua--waimangu-volcanic-valley.webp)
Photo: Go Do Something Fun (/media/site__place-new-zealand-rotorua--waimangu-volcanic-valley.webp) — First-party AI-generated artwork © Suppers Software Limited ()