From Rotorua: Wai O Tapu & Waimangu Eco Thermal Morning Tour
About This Experience
A small-group morning that pairs Wai-O-Tapu with Waimangu Volcanic Valley — the two parks read very differently, and seeing them back to back is the reason to book this one rather than a Wai-O-Tapu-only trip. Wai-O-Tapu is colour: mineral-stained pools and sinter flats. Waimangu is scale: a bush-filled rift valley created by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption.
Unlike most Wai-O-Tapu day trips, the walk through the geothermal park here is actually guided — about an hour with a local driver-guide explaining what is colouring each pool, followed by the 10:15 am Lady Knox Geyser presentation. You also see New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool on the way through.
At Waimangu the walk continues past Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater Lake, with the guide telling the Tarawera story on the ground where it happened. Waimangu admission is included. Group sizes stay small, and you are back in Rotorua for the afternoon.
Highlights
- Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- Marvel at Rotorua's rare and incredible volcanic and geothermal sights
- Make the most of your morning with an organised half-day tour
- Enjoy a more relaxed, personal experience on a small group tour
- See the Champagne Pool, boiling mud, Lady Knox Geyser, Frying Pan Lake and more
What's Included
- ✓ Hotel pickup and drop off
- ✓ Transport
- ✓ Driver/guide
- ✓ Live commentary
- ✓ Waimangu Thermal Valley admission fee
Not Included
- Lunch
- Other food and drinks
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
Good to Know & Caveats
- A medium level of fitness is required for this activity as you will be walking around the geothermal parks
Not Suitable For
- Wheelchair users
- People with low level of fitness
Meeting Point
Pickup from central Rotorua accommodation between 8:00 and 8:30 am — eleven hotels are on the pickup list, including the Millennium, Novotel Lakeside, Pullman, Sudima, Rydges, ibis, Copthorne, Distinction, Arawa Park, Regent and Haka House. Pickups are central Rotorua only.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 366 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Such amazing scenery and the guide was perfect! Highly recommended tour!
— Sheralee, July 9,
Clive was very friendly and informative. We didn't have the best weather, but the tour was still very entertaining and varied.
— Thea, June 24
Our tour to Wai O Tapu & Waitangi was fantastic, our guide Clive from Elite Adventures was knowledgeable and helpful, he answered all our questions and took pictures for us. He provided insight into Rotorua and even explained about plants at Wai O Tapu. I highly recommend Elite Adventures and I hope you get Clive as your guide.
— Alexxandrina, May 25,
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu?
Wai-O-Tapu is the colour park — the Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette and Devil's Bath, on flat easy loops. Waimangu is a forested volcanic rift valley formed by the 1886 Tarawera eruption, with Frying Pan Lake and the vivid blue Inferno Crater. This tour includes both, with admission to each.
Is the Wai-O-Tapu walk guided on this tour?
Yes — roughly an hour of guided walking through Wai-O-Tapu, which is unusual; most Wai-O-Tapu tours drop you at the gate to walk it alone.
How fit do you need to be?
A medium level of fitness. You are on your feet walking two geothermal parks across a morning, including descending into the Waimangu valley. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or anyone with limited mobility.
Is lunch included?
No. This is a morning tour that returns to Rotorua in the early afternoon, so you eat after. Bring water and comfortable shoes.
