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.

Discover Our Local: The gravel road that leads to the Tarawera Falls

I drive an early 2000 Toyota Avensis, which isn't the best kind of car to drive on a gravel road. There were potholes that made me wonder if I would have a front bumper by the end of it, and that is definitely something to consider when you go to visit the falls.

Before you head out to the falls, make sure to get your forest road permit from the Kawerau i-Site. It’s $5 per car, and the guy gave me a week long pass (at no extra cost) in case I wanted to go back the following weekend. With the scorcher of a summer we’re having at the moment, it’s a beautiful place to cool off! There are instructions on the permit, and there are signs along the way.