This thermal area was created during the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886. The downhill stroll through the valley passes spectacular thermal and volcanic features, including Inferno Crater Lake , where overflowing water can reach 80°C, and Frying Pan Lake , the largest hot spring in the world. The walk continues down to Lake Rotomahana (Warm Lake), where options include a return shuttle or a 45-minute lake boat trip past steaming cliffs and the former site of the Pink and White Terraces.
Waimangu (Black Water) refers to the dark, muddy colour of much of the water here. The site is 20 minutes south of Rotorua, 14km along SH5 (towards Taupo) and then 6km from the marked turn-off.
