Explore
Lake Rotomahana sits at the bottom of the valley. The devastating 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption drastically reshaped this expansive body of water.
Most visitors reach the lake by walking the 1.5 km to 4.5 km trails from the visitor center. From here, you can board a guided boat trip across the water. The cruise is the only way to view several geothermal features positioned right on the lake's edge.
Beneath the water lies the final resting place of the legendary Pink and White Terraces. You can use the free Waimangu App to see augmented reality views of the terraces as they appeared before the eruption.
45 minutesGuided cruise
This 45-minute guided boat trip sails over the final resting place of the Pink and White Terraces. Space on the boat is limited. Book the Full Experience ticket in advance, as cruises often sell out during summer.
Visible from water only
You will see boiling hot springs and geothermal features positioned right on the edge of the lake. These cliffs are only visible from the water. Taking the cruise is required to see this specific geothermal activity.
Submerged historical siteUse the AR app
This submerged historical location holds what people once considered the 8th Wonder of the World. The terraces sank during the 1886 eruption. Use the Waimangu App's augmented reality feature on your smartphone to see how the terraces originally looked.
