Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience
Description
Experience the majesty of Mt. Tarawera, infamous for its volcanic eruption in 1886. This guided trek encompasses the stunning landscape and unique history of the area. You'll follow a winding trail to the crater's edge for a panoramic view of the geothermal area. Travel by 4WD vehicle from central Rotorua hotels.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up from most accommodations in central Rotorua
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(327)
Wow what an amazing experience! Our guide was so friendly and kind, plus the views were out of this world we were so lucky with the weather. The hike is a challenge but our guide made it seem so do-able and was super helpful with tips along the way. This was such a cool and unique way to explore the area, highly recommend!
Kia Ora Elise! Thank you so much for such an amazing review! We are glad you had a great time with our guides and yes the weather was absolutely perfect!
Privileged to have done this hike on Tarawera. The volcanic landscape was stunning and the guides Ihaka and Tai were passionate and knowledgeable. They told us the heavy story and spirituality of the maunga and their iwi. Easy to moderate hike with a few stops to wait for each others for safety. Overall a meaningful experience that I'll remember, I highly recommend to book with Kaitiaki Adventures ! Ngā mihi nui 🙏🏼 Lise
Kia Ora Lise! Ngā mihi nui for your beautiful review. We feel incredibly privileged to be able to share the stories, history and living connection of Mt Tarawera with our guests, so it means a lot to hear that the experience was both meaningful and memorable for you. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to Ihaka and Tai. They are deeply passionate about the maunga, its people and its stories, and they'll be delighted to know their knowledge and guidance helped make your day so special. Thank you also for recognising the spiritual significance of this place. Mt Tarawera is much more than a volcanic landscape to us, and we love welcoming visitors who take the time to connect with its history, whakapapa and enduring presence. Thank you for choosing to journey with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Rotorua again someday.
Definitely a proper hike with good downhill gradient. Gaiters are provided. Bring strong knees and good footwear. Wind and cold can be brutal at the summit in winter. Excellent guides which provides a huge wealth of information about the mountains and Māori traditions. Also kind support to navigate the mountain.
Kia ora, Thank you for the fantastic review and for sharing such helpful advice for future walkers! We're pleased to hear you enjoyed the challenge of the hike and appreciated the support, knowledge and stories shared by our guides along the way. Mt Tarawera can certainly serve up some wild conditions at the summit, especially during winter, but we're glad you embraced the experience. Ngā mihi nui for joining us on the maunga, and we hope to welcome you back again in the future. Kaitiaki Adventures
Amazing experience with friendly and knowledgeable guides. Highly recommend going, especially on a clear day. The views were 10/10
Kia ora, Thank you for the awesome review! We're so pleased you enjoyed your time on Mt Tarawera and that the weather turned it on for you. On a clear day, those views really are something special! We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to our guides. Thanks for the recommendation, and we hope to see you again someday. Kaitiaki Adventures
We were taken care of by two friendly, professional guides. he hike they offered was simply incredible. Accessible to everyone, you'll be guided through this pristine natural area, clean and respected thanks to the locals. We experienced one of the most beautiful hikes of all our travels.
Kia ora, Thank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted to hear that Mt Tarawera was one of the highlights of your travels! Our guides are passionate about sharing this special place, and we're pleased you felt welcomed and well looked after throughout the journey. Thank you also for recognising the care and respect shown for the maunga by the local community and mana whenua. Ngā mihi nui for joining us and sharing your experience. Kaitiaki Adventures
Full of history yet so much fun, awesome experience...
Kia ora, Thank you for your lovely review! We're so pleased you enjoyed the balance of history, culture and adventure that makes Mt Tarawera such a special place. We're glad you had fun while connecting with the stories of the maunga and appreciate you joining us for the experience. Ngā mihi nui, Kaitiaki Adventures Team
Unfortunately it was completly cloudy, so you couldn't really see anything, due to this situation the hike to the summit wasn't passible. But that is not the fault by the Tour, it is just the nature. The Guides made best out of it and I really enjoyed the tour. It was very funny but also informative.
Kia ora, Thank you for your understanding and for taking the time to leave a review. While we can't control the weather, we're pleased to hear our guides helped make the most of the conditions and that you still enjoyed your time on the maunga. We appreciate your kind words about the team's humour and storytelling, and we're glad you found the experience both fun and informative. Ngā mihi nui for joining us on Mt Tarawera. Kaitiaki Adventures
Great experience hiking in NZ. The two tour guides were amazing at accommodating for all fitness levels. Solid blokes that were great to have a chat to and get a feel for NZ / Maori Culture. Even though it was quite cloudy and the view was obscured it was still a great experience.
Thanks so much for the great review! Awesome to hear you still had a great experience despite the cloudy conditions. Our guides love making sure everyone feels comfortable out there while also sharing stories and insight into NZ and Māori culture, so they’ll really appreciate the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the day with us!
Awesome guides, great hike, and despite the weather, still was able to see the craters. The guides were so kind they even offered to reschedule if we wanted to wait for a clearer day to see the views, but I loved the fresh air and enjoyed the experience.
Thanks so much for the awesome review! We’re really glad you still had a great experience despite the weather and got to see the craters. Our guides always want guests to have the best possible day, so we’re stoked you appreciated the flexibility and care from the team. Fresh mountain air definitely has its own magic too!
A must do in New Zeland ! Such a wonderful and unforgettable experience. The place is so surprising, colorful and the beauty is breathtaking. We had awesome guides, who explained us so many things about the land around also share with us knowledge about their Māori culture. Definitely worth it
Wow, thank you for such an amazing review! We’re so stoked you had an unforgettable experience and got to enjoy the beauty of the river and surrounds. Our guides love sharing the history, stories and Māori culture connected to the area, so they’ll really appreciate your kind words. Thanks again for joining us!
