Tarawera Trail
A breathtaking 15km one-way hike through native bush with stunning Lake Tarawera views. Challenging terrain and optional water taxi return.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds
Tarawera Trail
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 15km one-way hike through native bush with stunning Lake Tarawera views. Challenging terrain and optional water taxi return.
"Beautiful hiking trail with stunning scenery and beautiful natives to walk through."
Book Water Taxi in Advance
The Totally Tarawera water taxi is a popular way back. Book ahead to secure your spot, especially during peak times. :water_wave:
Allow Extra Time
Signposted times are optimistic. Plan for 5+ hours if you're not a fast hiker or have heavy packs. :stopwatch:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 152 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Tarawera Views
Various points along the trail
Breathtaking panoramic vistas of the pristine Lake Tarawera, offering moments of serene beauty.
Native Bushland
Throughout the trail
Immerse yourself in lush, native New Zealand bush, a tranquil and shaded environment for your hike.
Eroded Track Sections
Specific challenging parts of the trail
Experience a more technical hike on sections with natural erosion, adding an adventurous element.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Tarawera Trail Adventure
Fitness and Gear Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tarawara Ultratrail (NZ)
Hello Kiwi runners, does anyone know if this race fills up quickly? I will be in NZ next Feb for work and want to integrate this race into the trip....but I prefer not needing to stay up to sign up at 1AM (European Central Time) mid-week if not necessary. I know the UTMB…
Book Water Taxi in Advance
The Totally Tarawera water taxi is a popular way back. Book ahead to secure your spot, especially during peak times. :water_wave:
Allow Extra Time
Signposted times are optimistic. Plan for 5+ hours if you're not a fast hiker or have heavy packs. :stopwatch:
UTMB Tarawera, Advice for must have gears
Kia ora everyone! Am doing the UTMB 23km in Aotearoa next year Feb. I’ve only ever visited South Islands back in 2017 and that was during winter so I never experienced the flies. I’ve had friends who visited in the summer and all of them advised getting a bug net / head net for…
Tarawera ultra
Anyone here done Tarawera and have a review of it? Considering flying over from Oz to run the 50 next year.
Pack Bug Spray!
Midges can be intense, especially around campsites. Don't forget repellent to enjoy the scenery comfortably. :bug:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail has varied terrain, including eroded sections. Good hiking boots are essential for grip and ankle support. :hiking_boot:
Terawera/New Zealand
Hey y'all. I just registered for next year's Terawera Ultra Trail and looking for any and all info/advice/travel tips anyone would care to share about your race experience and travels. Coming from the US and visiting New Zealand for the first time, so interested in both your…
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Water Taxi in Advance
The Totally Tarawera water taxi is a popular way back. Book ahead to secure your spot, especially during peak times. :water_wave:
Allow Extra Time
Signposted times are optimistic. Plan for 5+ hours if you're not a fast hiker or have heavy packs. :stopwatch:
Pack Bug Spray!
Midges can be intense, especially around campsites. Don't forget repellent to enjoy the scenery comfortably. :bug:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail has varied terrain, including eroded sections. Good hiking boots are essential for grip and ankle support. :hiking_boot:
Consider a One-Way Trip
Hike one way and take the water taxi back for a less strenuous experience and to see different perspectives. ⛵
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers rave about the Tarawera Trail's stunning lake views and immersive native bush. The challenging yet rewarding terrain is a highlight for many, though some find the signposted times optimistic. The convenience of the water taxi for the return trip is frequently praised, making it a popular choice for a memorable day hike.
"Lovely hike! Beautiful views of the lake from many points and some lovely bushland to traverse with a couple of solid hill climbs thrown in. Parts of the track were a bit eroded which made for more technical hiking. Definitely a solid 4+ hours at a good pace.
The Totally Tarawera water taxi service was excellent."
Kane Kelfkens
"Great walk, beautiful scenic views of the lake as you stroll along. Nicely shaded for the most part too.
The estimated times of signs are overly optimistic though, assumes an average speed of around 15min/km. Definitely allow for more time if you're not planning on speeding along."
Francis Liardet
"Beautiful hiking trail. You can do the trail in about 3,5 hrs if you have good fitness but if you’re unsure about it, I'd recommend planning with 5 hrs. I rode the water taxi on the way back, which is great after a long walk."
Marcel Simon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main Tarawera Trail car park is located at the end of Tarawera Road. You can drive directly to it. If you plan to hike one-way and use the water taxi, you'll need to arrange transport back to your starting point. 🚗
Public transport options are limited directly to the trailhead. Most visitors drive or arrange private transport. The water taxi service is the primary alternative for returning from the other end of the trail. 🚌
Yes, you can start from the lake side by taking the Totally Tarawera water taxi to Hot Water Camp Site or other lake access points. This is a popular option for a one-way hike. ⛵
Many hikers prefer the one-way walk from the car park to the lake, using the water taxi for the return journey. This allows you to experience the full trail without backtracking. 🚶
The drive to the Tarawera Trail car park from Rotorua is approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. :road_map:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Tarawera Trail itself is free to access. However, you will need to pay for the Totally Tarawera water taxi service if you choose to use it for transport. :moneywithwings:
It is highly recommended to book the Totally Tarawera water taxi in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, to guarantee your spot. 🎟️
Operating hours for the water taxi can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date schedule. 🕐
Yes, there are designated campsites along the trail, such as Hot Water Camp Site. You'll need to book these in advance through the Department of Conservation (DOC) or relevant booking system. ⛺
No specific permits are required for hiking the Tarawera Trail itself. However, if you plan to camp, you will need to secure a campsite booking. 📜
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Tarawera Trail difficulty is generally considered moderate to challenging. It involves significant elevation changes and some technically demanding sections due to erosion. A medium fitness level is recommended. 💪
The Tarawera Trail is approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) one-way. The walk typically takes between 4 to 6 hours to complete, depending on your pace and fitness. 🏃
You'll experience a variety of stunning scenery, including beautiful native bush, lush forests, and spectacular views of Lake Tarawera. Some sections are shaded, offering respite from the sun. :trees:
Yes, there are toilets available at key points along the trail, including at the car park and at designated campsites. 🚽
Dogs are generally not permitted on the Tarawera Trail to protect native wildlife. Always check local regulations before bringing pets. 🐕
📸 📸 Photography
Look for elevated viewpoints overlooking Lake Tarawera for stunning panoramic shots. The lush native bush also offers beautiful opportunities for capturing the textures and light filtering through the trees. 📷
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow. The 'golden hour' can create magical scenes. 🌅
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty of the Tarawera Trail. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, bring it to take advantage of the diverse landscapes. :iphone:
There are no specific restrictions on personal photography on the Tarawera Trail. However, always be mindful of other hikers and the natural environment. :camerawithflash:
While the main Tarawera Trail doesn't directly lead to Tarawera Falls, if you access it via a separate route, you can capture the impressive cascade. The main trail focuses on lake and bush views. 💦
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit