Mt. Tarawera
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Mt. Tarawera
Mt. Tarawera

Mt. Tarawera

Mt. Tarawera, Rotorua, New Zealand, 3073

The Basics

Created by the 1866 eruption, the Waimangu Volcanic Valley—a scenic reserve and geothermal hot spot that covers much of the area around nearby Lake Rotomahana—is a popular day-trip destination. Reach the privately owned peak by guided hike, mountain bike, four-wheel drive, or helicopter; alternatively, walk to nearby Tarawera Falls, mountain bike around Lake Okataina, or cruise across Lake Rotomahana. To stay on Lake Tarawera overnight, look for the surrounding campsites which dot the area.

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Mt Tarawera Volcanic Guided Hike Experience
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Mt Tarawera Volcanic Guided Hike Experience
US$119.76 per adult
Traveler Favorite
Adventurous & informative
Great guides, excellent stories about the area. Great encouragement when needing the extra assistance.
Brittni_H, Dec 2022

Recent reviews from experiences in Rotorua

star-5
An informative and enjoyable experience
William_K, Feb 2023
Tarawera and Rotorua Lakes Eco Tour by Boat with Guide
Enjoyed the experience of riding in the DWK as well as the beauty and interest of the lakes and scenery. A very informed and amusing driver commentator
star-5
He hikoi tuturu!
Matiu_C, Feb 2023
Tarawera and Rotorua Lakes Eco Tour by Boat with Guide
For us the humor of the guide coupled with his depth of knowledge of volcanism in NZ. He also used the sound system aboard his vehicle to highlight an intention or reinforce or attitude. His knowledge included the fauna and flora of the three lakes we visited as well as the Maori history of early tourism and specifically the Tarawera eruption. A trip well worth it and a task done superbly.
star-5
Great fun
Deborah_B, Jan 2023
Mt. Tarawera Volcano Scenic Floatplane Tour from Rotorua
This was a blast!! We caught an Uber out to Rotura from our cruise ship to get to this adventure. They have a helicopter and a seaplane. The seaplane was great fun taking off from the lake. The lake is filled with black swans. Beautiful. Great scenery from the plane!! Over an old volcano. Wish it would go over the thermal fields.
star-5
Wonderful flight
Stephan_A, Nov 2022
Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing
Very friendly staff, stunning views and interesting info given by the crew. Well worth the price! Highly recommend!
star-5
New Zealand's mini Grand Canyon
Russell_N, Oct 2020
Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing
Incredible trip well looked after by pilot. Amazing place and the size of the rift is a must see. A lot of work done by local iwi to clean up noxious weeds etc. Mt. Tarawera looks great.
star-5
An amazing experience
LesleyJune_S, Apr 2021
Mt Tarawera Fly-Drive Volcanic Experience
My grand daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the trip. Apart from the amazing helicopter views and the colours of Mt Tarawera, our really informative guides were a highlight of the day. The walk on the mount was harder than expected and I think the challenges of it should be pointed out in the advertising. It certainly requires a reasonable level of fitness.
star-5
Spiritual and Amazing, a hike into another land
Joseph_I, Mar 2023
Mt Tarawera Volcanic Guided Hike Experience
The colors were breathtaking. A beautiful juxtaposition of lime green aside rust red. The sun made the experience warm, while the mountain top breeze kept it refreshing. Our guide, Daniel, made this a once in a lifetime experience. He was warm, personable, grounded, and knowledgable. We felt extremely connected to the land, it's history, and it's spirituality. We felt like we could have spent all day there. The hike was manageable, but required physical skill. Our tour had only 5 people in it, which really aided the personal aspects of the hike. The "run" down into the caldera was awesome! We were picked up at a nearby coffee shop, and the ride out was reasonable, although be prepared for some 4x4 wheeling to get to the start of the hike. As with all excursions in NZ, make sure you call ahead to get your pickup time and location sorted out. Could not recommend more. Thank you to Daniel for a fantastic experience!
star-5
Wow! What an amazing experience.
Paul_G, Jan 2022
Mt. Tarawera Volcano Scenic Floatplane Tour from Rotorua
Wow!! What an amazing experience. We were so fortunate to be upgraded to the Helicopter flight at late notice. Can’t say enough about how awesome this experience, staff and guide were. Thank you so much to the team for giving us a memory for a life time.
star-5
Awesome!
Jude, May 2021
Mt Tarawera Volcanic Guided Hike Experience
Awesome experience, a special place steeped in history. Frank and Dan were friendly, fun, knowledgeable and patient. I would love to have spent the whole day up there and walked further.
star-5
Amazing experience!
James_H, May 2022
Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing
The kids and i had an awsome time in the helicoptor definitely worth it and will be back again next time we are in rotorua!
star-5
Awesome trip, really...
Tyler_W, Apr 2022
Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing
Awesome trip, really enjoyed it. Loved the views form the helicopter and the history etc form our pilot
star-5
Awesome!
Wendy_O, Apr 2021
Mt Tarawera Volcanic Guided Hike Experience
What an awesome morning. Harry and Dan were fantastic guides, we had heaps of fun. Mount Tarawera is spectacular. I would highly Recommend this adventure!
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Things to Know Before You Go

  • Mt. Tarawera is ideal for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Tarawera’s peak is privately owned and has been off-limits to independent hikers, cyclists, and general visitors since early 2010.

  • The entrance fee for Lake Rotomahana and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley supports this extremely rare and protected ecosystem.

  • Obtain a required access permit for Tarawera Falls or Tarawera Outlet at Maori Investments Limited in Kawerau, or on weekends at the Kawerau i-Site Visitor Centre.

  • Because much of the Tarawera area is rugged forest, make sure to wear sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing.

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How to Get There

Mt. Tarawera is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) southeast of Rotorua. Because it is private property, Tarawera is closed to independent visitors; the best and only way to get there is to book a guided tour.

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When to Get There

Tarawera’s peak is exposed, so the best time to visit is likely in early or late summer, when the sun is out but not too unforgiving. This is also a good time to visit the rest of the area, as the nature walks and beaches tend to be less crowded and more temperate.

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Swimming in Lake Tarawera

Lake Tarawera sits at the foot of the mountain, but don’t make the assumption that it’s also privately owned and off-limits. In fact, the lake has several beaches and bays that are great for swimming and boating. Its best-kept secret, though, is accessible only by ferry or by walking the Tarawera Trail to Hot Water Beach, where thermal activity heats the water and sand.

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Mt. Tarawera
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Mt. Tarawera?
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in Rotorua?
A:
As well as visiting the Mt. Tarawera, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: