Waimangu Valley - photos

Frying Pan Lake	Inferno Crater	Frying Pan Lake	Southern Crater
Thermal River	Thermal River	Thermal River	Thermal River
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About Waimangu Valley

Waimangu is a thermal reserve that was directly created from the devastating eruption of Mount Tarawera on the 10 June 1886. That eruption destroyed the world famous Pink and White Terraces that were at the time considered the "Eighth Wonder of the Natural World". Although it was a shame to lose such a natural treasure, the replacement while not as spectacular was a different volcanic wonderland with many unique features.

The reserve included the world renown Waimangu Geyser. In 1901 till 1904 it was the world's most powerful geyser erupting to the stupendous height of 460 metres (1,500 ft). To put that in perspective, Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park USA erupts at a fraction of that height, no higher than 56 metres (185 ft).

Other special features of the reserve include the stunning Inferno Crater, Southern Crater, and Frying Pan Lake, the world's largest boiling lake. A thermal river flows from this lake and through the reserve.