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Waimangu Geothermal Valley & Lake Rotomahana Tour – 7hrs

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Overview

Available languages

English

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 To Expect

1

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.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable
2

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.

2 hours • Admission Included

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

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Waimangu Geothermal Valley & Lake Rotomahana Tour – 7hrs

Pickup included

Reviews

4.75

32 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

28
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  • Unique Experience !!!

    Sheila T,,Jan 19, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    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.

  • Great experience with spectacular scenery

    VERONICA O,,Jan 11, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    The valley is very interesting and very nice. The tour is fantastic. We had a great time with Russel.

  • Wonderfull experience

    veronicao890,,Jan 10, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    The experience exceeded my expectations. Russel was a fantastic guide, the place is beautiful, and it wasn't crowded at all. We had a wonderful day.

  • The Yellowstone Of New Zealand

    Alana L,,Jan 2, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Robert was awesome! He was super informative & happy to answer all of our questions. The experience was super cool from the kiwi farm to the Yellowstone of New Zealand and the boat ride topped it all off. This was one of my fav excursions we did while visiting New Zealand! 10/10 would recommend

  • A unique experience

    karinlF3325AJ,,Mar 31, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Wie 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!

  • Nice experience

    Suballin759,,Mar 20, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    3.00

    A very nice and informative trip. However, The van was not comfortable. I was stuck in the very back as a family with 2 teens took up all the front seats.

  • Lovely and Interesting

    Christine H,,Mar 17, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    The 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

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Although 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

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Incredible 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

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    We 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!

From NZ$285.00

4.75
(32 reviews)
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