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Waimangu
In 1886 Mount Tarawera erupted in a devastating explosion of ash and lava, ripping the mountain in
two and gouging a 17 kilometre rift into the landscape. Lake Rotomahana swelled to twenty times
its size and the seven craters that make up the geothermal utopia that is Waimangu, were created.
Waimangu Valley, being the youngest geothermal site in the world, shows off the beauty left behind
after a volcanic eruption. Thirty years after the explosion, plant life returned in abundance and the
hot pools and springs display multicoloured rock and amazing coloured water
In the Maori language Waimangu means "black water". The area was once the location of the most
powerful geyser in the world; spewing black mud 460 metres (1,500 ft) into the air. While
the geyser became extinct in 1904, this beautiful valley still bears the name Waimangu. The Waimangu
Volcanic Valley is a 20 minute trip south from Rotorua that must not be missed.
The Emerald Pools
The Emerald Pools sit in one of the craters left behind by the 1886 Tarawera eruption,
nestled amongst stunning native bushland. The lush green colour of the pools is the result of
sphagnum moss, once used in healing for its extracting properties.
Warbrick Terrace
Former Waimangu guide Alfred Warbrick placed sandbags to slow the discharge of a spring, resulting
in this visual masterpiece. The terrace is a rolling formation of what looks like multicoloured liquid
rock; its colours a blend of gold, black, grey and rust. The unusual colouration is the result of algae,
iron oxide, hydroxide and silicate deposits.
Steaming Crater Lakes
Also worth a look are the other unique and beautiful crater lakes in the valley. Watch steam rise from
the tantalisingly blue Inferno Crater, and hear the crackling and sizzling of Frying Pan Lake.
See a complete list of Waimangu Volcanic Valley activities. This week's featured activities in Waimangu Volcanic Valley are: Featured Activities |
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Day Tour - Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Starting from NZ $37.00 per adult
Prime Rotorua tourist attraction, Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers self guided tours through spectacular geothermal activity in the world's youngest geothermal system. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is home to wonderful plant and bird life, thermal hot springs, steaming cliffs, volcanic craters and many more geothermal features.We are just 20 minutes South of Rotorua and 40 minutes North of Taupo. More... |
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All-day Coach Tour - Rotorua - Starting from $295.00 per person
Tour Rotorua's most popular geothermal parks and colorful lakes on a day trip led by a local naturalist guide. You'll see the Lady Knox Geyser erupt, visit the Lake Tarawera lookout and see boiling mud pools and hot springs at Wai-O-Tapu. Along the way, you'll learn all about volcanology, New Zealand's stunning flora and fauna, and Maori history from your naturalist guide. More... |
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Multi-day Tour - Auckland - Starting from $1199.00 per person
Discover the best attractions of the North Island on this 3-day trip from Auckland. See thousands of tiny glowworms on an underground boat ride at Waitomo Caves, explore the picturesque lakeside setting of Taupo and the amazing Huka Falls and experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. More... |
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Attraction - Rotorua - Starting from $82.00 per person
Experience a half or full-day tour from Rotorua to the Geothermal wonders that the region is famous for. Your options include half or full-day tours to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. You may also like to add on a Hobbiton Movie Set, Huka Falls, Wai-O-Tapu or Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village Tour in the afternoon.
All tours include transport which is fully commentated by one of our legendary BALL team Driver-Guides. More... |
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Thermal Spa & Hot Springs - Rotorua - Starting from $85.00 per person
Design your own ideal day with a full-day or half-day tour to Rotorua attractions and Hobbiton. Experience the must-see half day geothermal wonders of Rotorua at the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. This convenient tour is fully customisable. All Tours also include a stop to see the Lady Knox Geyser Erupt before heading into Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to enjoy a self guided walk around, exploring all the unique lakes, pools, craters and walkways that the park has to... More... |
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Tour Rotorua
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Tour Rotorua Area
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 Lakeside City Lodge - Guest House. Lakeside City Lodge is ideally situated to make the most of Rotorua. The property is just a 3-minute walk from the...
 Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self Guided Tours - Day Tour - Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Starting from NZ $37.00 per adult. Visit a prime Rotorua tourist attraction, the world's youngest geothermal system and the unique steaming landscapes and...
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