Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley – Nature at its best

It was when a mountain exploded, transforming the surrounding landscape outside Rotorua in 1886 that this scenic beauty mesmerizing many pairs of eyes ever since had been created. In the Maori language, Waimangu stands for “dark water” and it is not clear as to whether this indicates the mysterious depths of some of the naturally created pools found in this enchanting place or the dark and dreary event that was instrumental in forming this mystic valley. Located only 20 minutes away from Rotorua, most people who visit this place make it a point to lodge in a hotel in Rotorua and a Rotorua hotel that is preferred by many for this purpose is Millennium Hotel Rotorua which offers all the modern amenities that a traveller may possibly need. Warbrick Terrace is a visual masterpiece in the hues of gold, rust, green and black while the Emerald pools located in the area are known for their luscious green colour winking at the visitors in their full glory.

Mount Tarawera – The sleeping giant

Located several kilometres from Rotorua, Mount Tarawera lies dormant today, having been responsible for New Zealand’s largest dome and historic eruption. Made up of about 17 kilometres of rhyolitic lava domes that were fissured down the middle by an explosive basaltic eruption that occurred in the year 1886, this is indeed a splendid sight to witness despite the destruction that it had caused in the past. While in the area, one must simply lodge in a Rotorua hotel to find out what other marvels that this beautiful city offers. Millennium Hotel Rotorua is a hotel in Rotorua that is located within close proximity to all the places of interest within the area.

In the year 1886, between 1 and 2 cubic kms of basaltic lava erupted from this volcano killing 120 people, also destroying the beautiful pink and white sinter terraces in Lake Rotomahana. Today this sleeping giant lies serene, with a gaping 6 kilometre cater as a remainder of the devastation it had caused many years ago.