Private Waimangu Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Lake Rotomahana is believed to be where the famous Pink and White terraces are buried and Waimangu Volcanic Valley is home to the world's youngest geothermal system. The steaming cliffs area on the lakes shoreline is breathtaking and is completely unique to this special lake.
Access to kayak on Lake Rotomahana is exclusive only to Taiao Adventures. You cannot do this tour anywhere else, we feel privileged to offer you this once in a lifetime experience.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
The tour begins when your friendly guide picks you up and shuttles you from Rotorua out to the enriching Waimangu Volcanic Valley. You then journey on foot through the heart of the Waimangu Valley, a dynamic volcanic area that stands testament to Rotorua’s amazing geological history. Your knowledgeable guide is available to answer any questions about the unique landscapes, native forest, colourful terraces, and geothermal features. Your walk will lead you to Lake Rotomahana, where the adventure part of your activity begins. Your guide will provide you with all necessary equipment, then run through safety and basic kayak instruction before you take the helm on the water. From here you will kayak a short distance before being captivated in a spectacular geothermal display of steaming cliffs and colourful landscapes. From your kayak you will have a unique vantage point and perspective of the raw beauty and power these geysers create. Your guide will share the story of the valley along with insight to Maori culture and heritage of the area. This is an activity you will never forget!
Options
Private Waimangu Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
All equipment provided, no experience required, perfect for all ages (5+ yrs)
Pick-up & drop-off transfers from your accomodation
Spectacular geothermal wonders
Includes entry to Waimangu Volcanic Valley Walk
A completely privately guided tour just for you and your group
Lunch included during the experience
Expert guides with in-depth understanding of Rotorua's geothermal landscape
Exclusive access to kayak on lake Rotomahana
Experience our Taiao Adventures values, connection, contribution, thoughtfulness to the environment
Clothing - Please wear activity suitable clothing
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing tour and kayaking experience
SailingChick 23,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience from the start to finish. Jess,our guide, is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the area and history. Loved the tour, the kayaking. One of our favourites during our first week in NZ. Thank you.
Couldn't recommend more!!
C5822XMsimoneh,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a unique, amazing and intimate experience with Taiao Adventures. Your guides were amazing and natural features were outstanding. We all felt well taken care of and had an awesome time! 10/10. Thank you!
Worth the exercise!
M9718WMkarenb,May 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a beautiful hike and kayak experience. Our guide, Jess, was really knowledgeable about the area and kept us engaged in the experience. We were able to appreciate the steam and eruptions and enjoyed learning about the history of it all.
So Amazing! Kayaking our planet's newest Volcanic Valley!
Navigate19782734013,Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00SO AMAZING! We went on the Waimangu Valley Walk & Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour with Jess. This was the BEST activity I've done in Rotorua. It was astounding to walk along and stare into the abyss of the rift that ripped open after the Tarawera volcanic eruption and created this, the world's newest volcanic valley. The lake was alive with steaming cliffs and geysers, the water a swirl of volcanic heat and chilly lake water. All I could was tremble in awe feeling the power and energy of Earth reverberating around us. Jess was the best guide! She shared her profound and extensive knowledge of NZ's volcanic forces, te ao Māori and for the history of the place in an engaging way. These added dimensions added a level of depth to our visit that made me appreciate the valley even more. Thank you Jess and the Taiao Team!
Loved the beauty and the nature.
652hollyh652,Nov 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jacob did an outstanding job leading us down into the valley. Unfortunately our kayak tour portion was unavailable but the walk was fascinating and lovely. If for some reason they haven’t reopened the launch site we would recommend the guided hike alone if you have any interest in the flora, fauna, and geology of the area. With the kayak portion it would have been even more spectacular.
Highly recommended!
Kylie A,Jul 1, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour - highly recommended! The scenery was spectacular and our guide (Forest) was amazing with local knowledge.
Gorgeous views, dramatic steaming hills, geysers
816mashas,Mar 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was amazing to be out on the lake, with stunning views all around, and steaming cliffs and boiling water by the shore. It is such a dramatic landscape! Our guide Zita was wonderful, and even though we were very late for our tour (leave extra time for the bus to get to the lake) and we were constrained by the last bus up, she made it fun, informative and made sure we saw everything (including an erupting geyser!). She also took fantastic photos of mom and me amid this incredible nature. Thank you!
Beautiful kayaking - must do!
Stay27649894001,Mar 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time during our daytime kayaking tour with Jacob. Not only was the scenery beautiful, but Jacob was extremely knowledgeable on the area and environment. We learned a lot and really enjoyed our time. Would highly recommend!
Best way to experience geyser
Z6217KZalicew,Mar 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic way to see the lake and geysers. The whole scenery is wild, with steam constantly coming off the cliffs and the geyser going off every eight minutes or so. The kayaking itself was relatively easy and perfect for beginners. Our guide, Zita, was very knowledgeable and experienced. She showed us to the best viewing spots, took photos of us kayaking, and did a detour at a hot water beach which was pretty cool. Would thoroughly recommend :)
Amazing experience!!
V7867VJalejandrag,Feb 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had so much fun kayaking with my friends on Lake Rotomahana! Our guides Tom and Forest were amazing and very patient with us. They explained the geothermal underground activity and why is it visible to us in the surface of the lake. 100% will recomend this activity.
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Operated by Taiao Adventures