Waimangu Volcanic Valley self-guided walk

Sometimes, I like being a tourist in my own backyard. It turns out, so does the tall fella. Sunday is our day to go exploring together. He once told me that when he was a kid he wanted to grow up and become a geologist, it didn’t happen, so I guess a two-hour walk in a geothermal valley is the next best thing. Oh and the tall fella does have a name. His name’s Aaron, and he’s lovely.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is 20 mins drive from Rotorua (about 1.5 hours from Whakatāne) or 45 mins from Taupō. It’s a paid tourist attraction with the options of a self-guided walk or hike, as well as a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana. The walk starts and finishes at the info centre, which also has a gift shop and cafe. We booked our self-guided walk tickets online, and tickets can also be purchased on the day.

This was actually the second time I’ve done the self-guided walk at Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Back in 2021, I was researching easy walks around the Bay of Plenty to do with my parents. We had started doing day walks and some beginner tracks as a family when the COVID-19 restrictions started to ease. Waimangu Volcanic Valley had just reopened and were running specials, so I took Mum and Dad, Kuya Jovial and Kat to check it out. The photos are a combination of my 2021 and 2023 visits.

Lake Tawera trail from Hot Water Beach to Te Wairoa carpark

The Lake Tarawera trail in Rotorua is on many ‘someday’ lists, with the 15km track taking you lakeside as well as deep in the bush. It’s a beautiful yet challenging walk that shouldn’t be underestimated as the walk does require a good level of fitness. Being a solo adventure, I booked the water taxi to Hot Water Beach and walked back to Te Wairoa car park, where my car was waiting for me.

Totally Tarawera runs a regular water taxi service to Hot Water Beach from The Landing. If you plan to walk back to the car park from the beach like I did, there’s also a free shuttle to The Landing - just make sure to choose this option when you book the water taxi. The water taxi takes about 20 minutes, and owner Terry is a fantastic host. I share the taxi that morning with two friends, Anahera and Manaakitanga.

Bay of Plenty: Walk Amongst The Redwood Giants In The Whakarewarewa Forest

At over 5,600 hectares, the Whakarewarewa Forest is a giant outdoor playground - from locals walking their dogs, multiple walking trails or a day out on the MTB trails. Located just an hour from Whakatane and 15 minutes from the Rotorua CBD, it’s the kind of place where you can see so much in a few hours or spend the whole day. It’s one of the best FREE attractions you can do in Rotorua.

Ziplining with Rotorua Canopy Tours

We met at Rotorua Canopy Tours’ headquarters on Fairy Springs Road, where we were checked-in by super-friendly staff. There usual waiver and emergency checklist to be completed, but since I had booked and paid online, it was all pretty straight forward. Soon we were greeted by our guides who kitted us with jackets and harnesses. After a quick (and humour-filled) safety briefing, we hopped into the van and made our way to the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve, which took about 15 minutes.

© 2015 Five Foot Ronna

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