Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Created on 10 June 1886 as a result of the Tarawera eruption.  It is the youngest geothermal area in the world.  The volcanic eruption punctured the area with a series of craters and allowed geothermal fluid already present underground direct passage to the surface of the earth.   


 When Mt Tarawera erupted it lead the the destruction of the famous Pink and White Terraces which at  that time drew tourists from around the world (they were considered the 8th Wonder of the World).  Many lives were lost and Maori settlements destroyed, the tourist industry which provided income suffered a big blow so after the eruption government decided to establish tourism in Rotorua. 


We really enjoyed the self guided walk through the valley, there was only one other family we came across so you felt like you were on your own adventure.  We  passed the Frying Pan Lake claimed to be the world largest hot water spring with its steaming Cathedral Rocks, and followed the bubbling streams, touched the sulphur crystal vents, and saw the aqua blue Inferno Crater where the water reaches 80*c.


Bit worrying when you thought about what you were standing on and the potential for an explosion!  

Frying Pan Lake

Sulphur crystals

Inferno Crater

Plantation forests surrounding the area