30 Sep How to Truly Soak In the Scenery of Mt. Tarawera
Coming down to Alert Level 2 in Rotorua means the ability to roam and walk a little further than the short radius of our strolls during Levels 4 and 3. We’re able to wander through the depths of the redwoods forest or take in a longer stretch of the lake near our office on Lake Front.
But it’s also brilliant timing; we’re now solidly into spring and that means immersing ourselves in the beautiful scenery of Mt. Tarawera as it gets greener and more vibrant, and the weather warms up enough to do that comfortably by foot, bike, boat, and, of course, helicopter.
Get up close and personal with it by foot on a Crater Walk
Mt. Tarawera has long been a subject of awe, fascination, and research following the historic eruption of 1886. To get a sense of the size and impact of the eruption, visiting the Crater itself is a worthwhile trip. It’s also a chance to take in the views of the Waimangu Valley and see other mountains and stretches of National Parks waking up for the spring. You’ll also see the typical hallmarks of a Mt. Tarawera visit: deep red scoria, black swaths of sand, and patches of furry moss. Or is that the fuzzy ear of a wallaby…?
You can only access the craters by guided walk, or by guided flight. Luckily for you, we offer both. Our Tour 3B is an eruption trail tour and guided walk by helicopter, which also means sweeping views of other landmarks like Frying Pan Lake surrounded by lush native ferns.
Or kick it up a notch with some 4WD action in there too! Teaming up with Kaitiaki Adventures to create Tour 6B, we fly you up (or down, depending on the weather) and after taking in the sights you’ll enjoy a blend of four-wheel driving and exploration by foot.
If a floatplane is more your style, consider Tour 6C. The Volcanic Float Plane Hike includes a delicious gourmet picnic, beautiful views and a Mt. Tarawera hike. It’s a well-rounded way to explore springtime scenery.
The ultimate of Rotorua tours – exploring Mt. Tarawera by air, foot and 4WD.
Appreciate its beauty by boat
If taking the time to really soak in the renowned Kiwi greenery and scenery of Mt. Tarawera surrounds is your idea of relaxation, then take it to the next level of tranquility with a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana. The added bonus to a Waimangu Volcanic Valley cruise, too, is drifting past the original sites of the Pink and White Terraces, before the eruption erased them from our earth. You’ll also spot steaming geysers along the shoreline. And the Star Hill Crater, home to the first signs of regenerating plant life, is another stunning site to keep an eye out for during the guided cruise.
Enjoy a nature walk, with Mt. Tarawera as the backdrop
Really getting amongst the native bush around Lake and Mt. Tarawera on the Tarawera Trail. Credit: rotoruanz.com
As the weather continues to warm up through to the summer, it’s a great chance to get into a campsite and enjoy some nature walks around the region before the hubbub of the school holidays. The Tarawera Trail is an excellent choice.
Book your stay at Hot Water Beach Campsite in the Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve, then walk to it from Te Wairoa. The walk starts with a breathtaking panorama of Lake Tarawera. Then from there, it’s about 5kms of serene lakeside plant life, slight climbs, and bridges across cold springs. Reach the Rotomohana lookout along the way to your campsite for the night to truly take in Mt. Tarawera and a vast stretch of the surrounding region from up high. With a warm dip, of course!
It’s a mini adventure through native bush; the landscape changes so much in such a short amount of time.
No matter which method you choose, absorbing the extent of Mt. Tarawera’s beauty and the springtime scenery is well worth a trip to see us here in Rotorua!