Created on 10 June 1886, Waimangu is the only hydrothermal system in the world formed within recent history as the result of a volcanic eruption.
The eruption opened the earth along a 16km rift, splitting Mt Tarawera in two, exploding Lake Rotomahana to 20 times its size and forming the seven craters that today make up Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Within 15 years of the eruption, the hot springs of Waimangu geothermal system were established within the newly formed craters, making this the world’s newest geothermal eco-system.