In short
- The shuttle bus is free and included with all entry tickets.
- It transports visitors between the main walking tracks and the visitor center.
- It saves you from walking uphill back to the main entrance.
In this article
Walking the trails is the best way to view the geothermal features. You do not have to walk the entire 4.5 km track. Waimangu operates an internal shuttle bus through the valley. It helps visitors return to the visitor center or shorten their hike.
What is the Waimangu Volcanic Valley shuttle bus?
The internal shuttle is a bus service that runs along the main road of the geothermal valley.
It transports visitors between the visitor center and the hiking trails. You can use it to skip sections of the track. Many visitors use it to catch a ride back up the hill after finishing their walk.
Is the shuttle bus included in the ticket price?
Yes, the shuttle bus is fully included in both the Walk Only and the Full Experience tickets.
You do not need to pay extra to use the internal bus. Adult entry for the Walk Only is NZD $65. The Full Experience, which includes the Lake Rotomahana boat cruise, is NZD $135.
Where does the shuttle bus stop?
The bus stops at designated pickup points along the main walking tracks and near the lake.
This allows you to customize the length of your hike. Trails vary in length from 1.5 km to 4.5 km. Most visitors walk downhill toward Lake Rotomahana and take the shuttle bus back up.
Can the shuttle bus help with the Mt Haszard Hiking Trail?
The shuttle can drop you near the main paths, but it does not drive up the Mt Haszard trail.
The Mt Haszard track is an elevated, steeper trail. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete. You need good hiking shoes and decent fitness for this optional route. The shuttle stays on the main valley road below.
Is the shuttle wheelchair accessible?
Lightweight foldable wheelchairs and pushchairs can be brought onto the bus.
If you need an accessible route, stick to the main valley paths. Avoid Inferno Crater Lake, which has stairs and a short uphill walk. You can use a sturdy pushchair on the trails and fold it before boarding the bus.
How is the internal shuttle different from the Rotorua i-SITE bus?
The internal shuttle operates strictly inside Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The i-SITE bus transports visitors from downtown Rotorua.
The external Waimangu Shuttle Bus departs the Rotorua i-SITE at 9:00 AM. It takes 25 minutes to reach the valley. You must book the external shuttle in advance. The internal bus requires no booking.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need cash for the shuttle bus?
No. The entire Waimangu Volcanic Valley site is 100% cashless. Since the internal shuttle is included with your entry ticket, you do not need to pay anything on board.
Does the shuttle connect to the boat cruise?
Yes. The shuttle bus can transport you down toward Lake Rotomahana. This is where the 45-minute guided boat cruise departs. It helps visitors return to the visitor center after the cruise ends.
What are the operating hours for the internal shuttle?
The internal shuttle bus operates during regular valley hours. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is open daily year-round from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
