Waimangu Valley

The Waimangu Valley was completely reshaped by the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. Old photographs show the splendor of the sinter terraces described by Ferdinand von Hochstetter, which no longer exist. The Maori villages of Te Wairoa, Te Arihi and Moura disappeared under masses of lava and ash, and roads and bridges were destroyed.

There are organized excursions to the volcanic features in the Waimangu Valley. The tour includes a walk along the shores of Lake Rotomahana, passing the Waimangu Geyser, now inactive, which in the past shot water up to a height of 400m. Other features are the Waimangu Cauldron, a 4ha lake of steaming hot water, the Cathedral Rocks and the Warbrick Terrace. Below Mount Tarawera (1111m), at present quiescent, is Lake Tarawera, on the shores of which (particularly round Tarawera Landing) there are Maori rock drawings. Finally a boat takes visitors across the lake to the buried village of Te Wairoa, now partly excavated. At least half a day must be allowed for the tour.