Thermal Trail Half Day Tour

8.00am:           Pick up from accommodation

8.30am – Waiotapu Geothermal wonderland

We guide our guests through this park giving a full commentary, where you can walk at your own pace and absorb the unique features including the world famous champagne pool, bubbling mud, steaming ground, huge volcanic craters, expansive vistas, sinter terrace formations and the Lady Knox geyser.

Wai-O-Tapu is associated with volcanic activity dating back about 160,000 years and is located right on the edge of the largest volcanic caldera (depression) within the active Taupo Volcanic Zone. With the largest area of surface thermal activity of any hydrothermal system in the Zone, the Thermal Wonderland is the most active part of the 18 square km reserve and has at its northern boundary the volcanic dome of Maungakakaramea (Rainbow Mountain).

10.45am:  Waimangu Valley

Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Lake Rotomahana
Introduction

In 1886, Mount Tarawera in Rotorua erupted, and destroyed the surrounding area. The eruption opened the earth along a 17km rift, splitting Mount Tarawera in two, exploding Lake Rotomahana to 20 times its original size, and forming the seven craters that today make up the Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

Today, you can enjoy a range of easy walking, advanced hiking, and boat cruise experiences ranging in duration from 45 minutes to over 4 hours at Waimangu.

Waimangu can be enjoyed by people of all ages and physical abilities.
Equally enjoyable in autumn, winter, and spring, Waimangu is truly a
year-round eco-experience. Waimangu is easily accessible, and is just 20 minutes south of Rotorua, and 40 minutes north of Taupo.

12.00pm: Depart Waimangu for Rotorua city drive by sightseeing.

Drive through the main city of Rotorua taking in all the sights: Government gardens, Lakefront, short stop at Ohinemutu (St Faith church, Tamatekapua marae) before returning clients back to accommodation.

12.30-12.45pm: Arrive back at accommodation.