| Waimangu Volcanic Valley Waimangu Volcanic Valley & Lake Rotomahana are located 20 minutes south of the Rotorua township, or 45 minutes north of Taupo, in the North Island of New Zealand. In 1886, Mount Tarawera in Rotorua erupted, and destroyed the surrounding area. The eruption opened the earth along a 17km line, splitting Mount Tarawera in two, exploding Lake Rotomahana to 20 times its original size, and forming the seven craters that today make up the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Today you can walk through the craters of Waimangu Volcanic Valley and take the boat cruise on crater Lake Rotomahana to view the amazing geothermal activity and very important botany. Internationally significant features include the worlds largest hot water spring, sinter terraces and the unique inter-relationship between two huge hot springs in Inferno Crater and Echo Crater. Several endangered plants exist beside the geothermal activity together with a host of thermally adapted plants. This is one of the newest Eco-systems in the world and is protected today as a Scenic Reserve and wildlife refuge. Our on-site services include easily understood interpretation, full cafe food service, an excellent range of locally made gifts and an internal shuttle bus which returns you from the end of your walk and boat cruise to the valley entrance. Guide sheets are available in 15 languages. Why is Waimangu so unique?
Wheelchairs: Part of the walk is wheelchair accessible. Access to the Valley and boat is only possible for those visitors who can move or be moved in and out of their wheelchair for negotiating bus steps, jetty steps and boat steps. Our shuttle buses do not have wheelchair lifts. People in wheelchairs must be accompanied by competent helpers. What to bring and wear: Flat shoes or sandals, camera, comfortable clothing, rain or sun protection as necessary, baby pushchair if needed. |
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