What to do in Waimangu

Activities, attractions and tours

A mountainous landscape with a prominent rocky cliff and dense green vegetation.
A wooden boardwalk beside a clear stream with surrounding rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.
A natural hot spring surrounded by dense greenery.
A geothermal area with mineral deposits and steam vents.
A geothermal area with steam rising from the ground, surrounded by greenery and a wooden fence.

Waimangu Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Waimangu has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Waimangu, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Waimangu with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Waimangu

Waimangu is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Waimangu, and make it a breeze to explore Waimangu and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Waimangu to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Waimangu, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Waimangu.

Waimangu attractions

Waimangu has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Waimangu to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Waimangu.

Looking for things to do in Waimangu can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Waimangu or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Waimangu attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure

Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure

£62
per adult
Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure
Marama: Geyser Light Trail

Marama: Geyser Light Trail

£21
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Marama: Geyser Light Trail
Cultural Performance

Cultural Performance

£15
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cultural Performance
Rotorua: The Buried Village of Te Wairoa

Rotorua: The Buried Village of Te Wairoa

£11
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rotorua: The Buried Village of Te Wairoa
Te Ra Guided Experience

Te Ra Guided Experience

£45
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Te Ra Guided Experience
Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Private Forest Spa in Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs

£19
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Private Forest Spa in Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Rotorua: Redwoods Adventure 3-Hours

Rotorua: Redwoods Adventure 3-Hours

£85
per adult
Rotorua: Redwoods Adventure 3-Hours
Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience

Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience

£87
per adult
Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience
Picture 1 for Activity Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Lake Rotomahana Cruise

Waimangu: Volcanic Valley Walk and Lake Rotomahana Cruise

£77
per adult
Waimangu: Volcanic Valley Walk and Lake Rotomahana Cruise
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Top places to visit

1. Polynesian Spa

Located adjacent to beautiful Lake Rotorua, the steaming baths of the Polynesian Spa are the perfect place to destress. Soak in steamy, cleansing water while you gaze out across the pristine lake. Escape to your very own private pool or play on the slides in the large family area.
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A tranquil indoor pool with a view of a lake and mountains.

2. Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua cable car carries passengers up Mount Ngongotaha to a height of 487 metres (1,598 feet). Admiring the views isn’t the only thing to do at the summit. Sip a coffee in the café, fly over dense forest on the zip line or steer down the steep luge course.
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A cable car system, lush greenery, and a distant town.

3. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is a tranquil woodland park crisscrossed by trekking and biking trails. Set off on a hike past thermal ponds and geysers or admire eucalyptus trees and immense Californian Redwoods while horseback riding.
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A rope bridge in a forest with illuminated hanging lights.

4. Mitai Maori Village

The Mitai Māori Village gives you and your family the chance to experience Māori food, art and traditions. The tours are not only educational, they are also very impressive and enjoyable.
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A group of people observing a ritual in a lush, green forest with a river.

5. Lake Rotorua

Visit Lake Rotorua and you will find no shortage of things to do. Swim in the calm, clear waters by the city’s edge or set off on foot in search of your own private bay. Kayak to mystical Mokoia Island or sit back and relax on a boat cruise.
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A lake with steam rising from the water, surrounded by a flock of seagulls on the shore and hills in the background.

6. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Cross boardwalks above gently simmering water and see pools of hot bubbling mud at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Peer into dark craters and watch as a geyser shoots water up to 20 metres (65 feet) into the sky.
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A geyser erupting with steam, surrounded by a rocky landscape and a crowd of spectators.

7. Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is one of the Rotorua area’s most popular natural attractions and also among its youngest. Formed following the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, the valley is comprised of a series of crater lakes, hot springs and untouched natural landscapes, with Lake Rotomahana at its centre. The valley can be seen by boat or explored using the network of hiking trails that traverse the protected reserve and wildlife refuge. Take a guided tour of the valley to learn about its delicate ecosystems or venture out on a self-guided hike to experience the serenity offered by the New Zealand bush.
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A turquoise hot spring surrounded by forested cliffs.

What to do in Waimangu

Stay near popular Waimangu attractions

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

9.2/10 (42 reviews)
Shaped by the force of nature less than 150 years ago, this picturesque valley is rich in geothermic activity, rare plant life and challenging walking trails.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Waimangu worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are many interesting things to do in Waimangu. Remember to experience the area's mix of awesome attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Waimangu?
After you've visited the leading attractions, spend the rest of your day exploring the retail and dining scene in Waimangu.
What is the top tourist attraction in Waimangu?
Scroll up to browse a selection of recommended things to do in Waimangu, including cheap activities, options for all the family and other can't-miss highlights.
Is three days enough to stay in Waimangu?
If you just want to tick off the leading sights, three days is plenty of time for a break in Waimangu. Stay for seven to ten days for the chance to really appreciate the local vibe, tour nearby highlights and discover a few hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Waimangu with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Waimangu with kids.

What to do in Waimangu for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Waimangu. Whether you're into local cuisine, nature or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Waimangu?
With loads of free things to do in Waimangu, you can enjoy the area without taking your wallet out. Soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or stroll through the local markets.