Things to do in Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Waimangu is the only geothermal system in the world with a documented birth date: the Mount Tarawera eruption of 10 June 1886 blew this valley open, and everything in it is younger than that. 5 kilometres past Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater, ending at Lake Rotomahana for an optional guided boat cruise, with a shuttle back up to the entrance.

Allow 3 to 4 hours all up, more with the cruise. It is about 25 minutes south of Rotorua by car, off State Highway 5, and it sees noticeably fewer visitors than Te Puia or Wai-O-Tapu. Entry runs to roughly 45-90 NZD depending on whether the cruise is included; check current pricing before you go, since the boat only operates on a fixed schedule.