Waimangu Geothermal Valley & Lake Rotomahana Tour – 7hrs
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Leaving Tauranga you head south through rolling farmland and forestry, past Lake Rotorua and on to the magical Waimangu Valley where your guide will take you through the world’s youngest geothermal valley. Starting at the head of the valley you will wind your way down the 4 klm walk, passing a range of geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, and wildlife. Some highlights to look out for include the world's largest hot spring, and the brilliant blue Inferno Crater.
The trails ultimately lead you down to the lake, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana. On the cruise, you'll encounter stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat, as well as rare native birdlife, and stunning views across the lake at the imposing Mount Tarawera. You can also listen to the onboard commentary of the historic stories of the lake, and hear about the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption that covered and destroyed the pink and white terraces.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Tauranga port pickup and drop-off
4 km guided walk through the valley
Modern, air-conditioned vehicle
45-minute boat ride on Lake Rotomahana
Entry into Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Expert local driver/guide with live commentary
Lunch or refreshments
Gratuities
Swimming or water activities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Mount Maunganui
This geothermal experience tour completely immerses you in the unique environment of Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The tour starts with a drive through the suburb of Mount Maunganui with the iconic landmark mountain where you will hear the Maori legend of how Mauao got his name. See one of New Zealand’s most popular beaches "The Mount Main Beach" home of surfing, professional beach volleyball and surf lifesaving competitions. Listen to the history of the Bay of Plenty and hear how the first peoples to arrive here made this beautiful place their home.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Leaving Tauranga you head south through rolling farmland and forestry, past Lake Rotorua and on to the magical Waimangu Valley where your guide will take you through the world’s youngest geothermal valley. Starting at the head of the valley you will wind your way down a 4 kilometer pathway, passing a range of geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, nature and wildlife. Some highlights to look out for include the world's largest hot spring, and the brilliant blue Inferno Crater.
Options
Waimangu Geothermal Valley & Lake Rotomahana Tour – 7hrs
Pickup included
Reviews
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A unique experience
karinlF3325AJ,
Mar 31, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Wie have got a unique impression of the geothermal conditions. Our guide was very knowledgeable and pointed out many special features. The hike was relaxed and the ride on the lake including active geysers was very impressive. Definitely recommended!
Lovely and Interesting
Christine H,
Mar 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00The driver, Robert, was easy to find outside the cruise ship. Robert was charming and knowledgeable. The van ride was comfortable. I really enjoyed the changes in the vegetation as we walked down the hill.
Great day trip from the port!
Carol W,
Mar 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Although this adventure was a 90 minute drive from the port, it was well worth it. I love the small group tours and our tour guide, Robert, was so informative. Robert met us right in the pier and was an excellent tour guide. The hike and boat ride on Lake Rotomahana was beautiful!
Incredible experience!...
Claudia K,
Mar 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Incredible experience! Tour guide was fabulous and did a fantastic job in explaining and giving us the history of this area. I would highly recommend this tour.
Wonderful Tour!
Margaret T,
Mar 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00We were on a cruise ship and met up with our tour guide within a very short walk from our ship. Very well organized! We rode in a small comfortable 10/11 passenger van. Our driver and guide, Robert, was very knowledgeable and informative. We thoroughly enjoyed our ride through the suburb of Mt. Maynganui and surrounding area. Once we reached the Waimangu Volcanic Valley we enjoyed the 2.5 mile walk to Lake Rotoma. The trail is mostly gravel, so wear good tennis shoes, not flip-flops. Bring water. We saw geothermal activity, hot springs, and beautiful scenery all around. The boat ride was great! We learned the history of the lake and viewed geothermal activity that surrounded us. After the tour we were shuttled back to where we started our walk, and then Robert got us all back to our ship in plenty of time. No worries!
Wonder filled day
Della H,
Mar 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a great tour! On the ride to volcanic springs and lake, we stopped at a kiwi farm and learned about that. Then we arrived at the volcanic area and had a terrific walk through the craters, seeing and learning about the hot springs and waters. We took a short boat ride on the lake and saw where the great white and pink terraces had once stood. A totally fun and wonderful filled day.
Great Tour with a Great Guide!
AvgMom2Travel,
Feb 24, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00When our cruise ship docked in Port Rotorua last month, we took this 7-hr Waimangu Geothermal Valley and Lake Rotomahana Tour with Wicked Wanders, booked via Viator before leaving home. The day was beautiful and the tour was as wonderful as advertised! Robert picked us up at the port with other couples. He was very knowledgeable and friendly and answered everyone’s questions. We moved at a comfortable pace and were never rushed. The boat ride on the lake was also very well done with the captain narrating along the way. Robert kept the schedule and we were back at the port in a timely manner. The only thing that was bothersome about our tour that day (and completely NOT Robert’s fault) was having this mother and her adult daughter walking alongside us -- as though they were part of our group. The mother asked Robert a lot of questions and he was very kind to answer her. In the beginning, our group tolerated their presence, but as the day went on, it became bit much. The mother especially took gazillion photos of her daughter and sometimes acted like we were in her way. Had the mother offered Robert something at the end, it would’ve been more acceptable, but the only thing she offered him was her cough drops. While you can walk the park on your own, book this tour to have more meaningful visit. It makes a world of difference to have an experienced guide to lead the way.
Give Yourself the Gift of Geothermal Activity
Marijo E,
Feb 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Truly phenomenal experience seeing so much geothermal activity in one area. The area is beautiful. The tree ferns are beautiful. The area is unique and we saw a lot of black swans in the lake. We went for a boat ride around the lake. Would highly recommend.
Geothermal Tour - Fantastic!
Savvytraveller5712,
Feb 10, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous once in a lifetime geothermal experience…Russell was fun, funny, and immensely knowledgeable. Don’t miss this great day!
Very good guide....
John S,
Feb 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very good guide. Exceptional experience. A venture that is a good way to see NZ away from the coast!
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Operated by Wicked Wanders Tours