Waimangu Volcanic Valley Tours & Attractions

Departure and Pick-Up:
Elite Adventures tours depart from Rotorua at 8:00 AM. Pick-up times are scheduled between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, depending on your accommodation. For exact pick-up times, please refer to the additional information provided.

Tour Highlights:

1. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland:
- Our journey begins with a visit to Wai-O-Tapu, one of the world's most surreal geothermal locations. You will be guided through a collection of stunning and colourful geothermal features, including the Champagne Pool and the Devil's Bath.

2. Lady Knox Geyser:
- Following Wai-O-Tapu, we will proceed to the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts once daily with remarkable punctuality.

3. Waimangu Volcanic Valley:
- Our tour concludes with a visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the youngest geothermal ecosystem in the world.

Important Information:

- Kindly note that we do not offer pick-ups from the Port of Tauranga.


Duration: 5 hours.

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.
Duration: 7 hours.

Experience the majesty of Mt. Tarawera, infamous for its volcanic eruption in 1886. This guided trek encompasses the stunning landscape and unique history of the area. You'll follow a winding trail to the crater's edge for a panoramic view of the geothermal area. Travel by 4WD vehicle from central Rotorua hotels.
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

The tour departs daily between 8:00-8:30 am. from your accommodation and drives you through forestry and farmland to New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool. Your guide shows you a series of colorful hot springs and volcanic features at Wai-O-Tapu. Then see the Lady Knox geyser eruption at 10:15 am.

Next a short drive to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley where your guide explains the Mt. Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush-covered, geothermal park.

Spend the afternoon experiencing Rotorua’s Maori culture and geothermal activity and see how they are intricately entwined. First, a guided tour through Te Puia, Rotorua’s premier cultural attraction. This includes a visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house and finally the Pohutu geyser.

Next, we visit the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and learn more about Maori history and customs.
Duration: 8 to 9 hours.

Explore New Zealand’s geothermal landscapes at your own pace on this independent  Waimangu hiking tour. Follow rugged hiking trails through the Waimangu region, and take in top natural attractions like Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake, and Lake Rotomahana. Trek past the unique craters and steaming geysers, and capture the spectacular scenery on camera. At the end of your hike, return to your starting point via the shuttle bus.
Duration: 60 to 240 minutes.

Immerse yourself in the otherworldly beauty of New Zealand’s North Island on a three-day escape from Auckland. From Rotorua’s famous geysers and the glowing Waitomo Caves to the re-creation of Middle-earth at Hobbiton, you’ll discover scenic beauty and natural wonders, ancient Maori traditions and movie-making magic on this fascinating tour.

This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers.You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.
Duration: 3 days.

Explore the most spectacular volcanic treasures of Rotorua, including a fully guided tour of Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Enjoy lunch at Waiotapu Tavern before continuing on to the multicoloured hot springs of Wai-O-Tapu or another Rotorua attraction of your choosing. Enjoy views of lake Rotorua before returning to Auckland before 7pm.
Duration: 11 hours 30 minutes.

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Leaving Wai-O-Tapu we descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. Your return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to our lakefront pier.
Duration: 3 hours.

Discover serenity in the most delicate and intimate way. Get the most out of your visit to Rotorua with a package to explore more of an unforgettable experience. The city’s unique location means that it’s perched on the Pacific Rim of Fire, making the city and the experience, a classic combination of geothermal activity and vibrant Māori culture. A tour of Te Puia Geothermal Valley is the best way to experience this top visitor attraction in New Zealand. Feel the rush of adrenaline and enjoy an action-packed jet boating around Lake Rotorua, along with a dip in the hot geothermal pools of Deluxe Lake Spa, a geothermal bathing and soul soothing retreat, and explore the world’s youngest geothermal valley at your own pace at Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Duration: 2 days.

Prepare for a day of wonder, fascination, and discovery as you immerse yourself in the unique environment of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, on this luxurious private day tour from Auckland. Get ready to witness stunning geothermal activities, see rare native birdlife, explore the raw beauty of the World’s Youngest Geothermal Valley by foot and on the waters of Lake Rotomahana, the final resting place and home of the lost Pink and White Terraces, also known as the eighth wonder of the world!
Duration: 13 hours.