Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Waimangu is the only geothermal system in the world created in historical times. The evolution of the Waimangu Geothermal System has been monitored and recorded since it was formed, providing a unique record to scientists.

After the short-lived but devastating eruption of Mount Tarawera on June 10th 1886, the area around Waimangu Valley, was covered by volcanic ash and mud, in places tens of metres thick. Waimangu was slowly re-colonised by plants and animals in a natural succession without any human interference. Before 1886, there was no reported hydrothermal activity here. Several eruptions over the last century have reshaped some of the features in the valley, reminding us that the magmatic heat source that created these features is still very present below the surface.

Frying Pan Lake is thought to be the largest hot spring in the world, and the strikingly blue Inferno Crater, created during the the Mount Tarawera eruption is the site of the largest underwater geyser-like feature in the world.

The many colours that you seen in the hot springs and sinter terraces are extremophile algae and bacteria that thrive in extreme conditions of acidity and high temperatures. There are also many plants here that are adapted to extreme geothermal conditions.

The main walk through the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley is about 4 kilometres of easy-walking and is accessible for wheelchairs, except for Inferno Crater and the Mt Haszard Hiking Trail. The walk starts at the visitor centre and goes down past the various craters, geothermal and geological features, to finish at Lake Rotomahana. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours or more to have time to appreciate all the features. The courtesy shuttle bus can be used to return to the visitor centre from any of the three bus stops, or to shortcut between them.