Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self-Guided Walk

Highlights  - Crater Track

• Waimangu Entrance to Bus Stop 1, Distance - 1.5km, Allow 1 hour. Difficulty - Moderate downhill and flat. 

There are steps up to Inferno Crater.  Suitable for most levels of fitness.  Panoramas over the valley, the Southern Crater, regenerating forest, Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, rare plants, hot springs, Inferno Crater Lake, Silica Terraces and stalactites

Last admission: 3.30pm for 5.00pm close

All The Hot Springs - Crater Track plus Terrace Track

• Waimangu Entrance to Bus Stop 2, Distance 3.2km, Allow 1 hour 30 min Difficulty - Downhill steps after Bus Stop 1, otherwise flat. Suitable for most levels of fitness.

Panoramas over the valley, Southern Crater, Emerald Lake, regenerating forest, Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, rare plants, hot springs, Inferno Crater Lake, silica terraces and stalactites. 

A large number of native birds can be seen on this walk. 

Last admission: 3.10pm for 5.00pm close

Full Walk To Lake - Crater Track, Terrace Track & Wetland Track

• Waimangu Entrance to Bus Stop 3, Distance 4.0km, Allow 1 hour 45 minutes Difficulty - Flat from Bus Stop 2. Suitable for most levels of fitness.

The full 4km walk allows you to experience all Waimangu Volcanic Valley has to offer, including wonderful panoramas over the valley, Southern Crater, Emerald Lake, regenerating forest, Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, rare plants, hot springs, Inferno Crater Lake, silica terraces and stalactites. There is excellent bird watching along this trail.

Last admission: 2.50pm for 5.00pm close

Hiking - Mt Haszard Hiking Trail (currently closed)

• Waimangu Entrance to Inferno Crater, then over Mt Haszard Hiking Trail. Rejoin the main path down to Bus Stop 3, Distance 4.5km Allow 2 hours+, Difficulty - Good fitness required. Good walking/hiking shoes are required.  Not recommended for children, pushchairs or wheelchairs. 

Spectacular panoramic views of the valley, the surrounding region, Rainbow Mountain, Mt Tarawera and Lake Rotomahana are highlights of this hike.

Recommended last admission: 2.30pm for 5.00pm close