Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Experience the unique landscape and history of Mt Tarawera. Infamous for its eruption on June 10th, 1886, Mt Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu, at the same time destroying the legendary Pink and White Terraces. This fully guided walking experience encompasses the unique landscape and history of the area. With unmatched scenic vistas and 360 panoramic views this experience is ideal for all ages and includes an optional scree run in to the heart of the volcanic crater.
What‘s Included
4.5 Hr Mt Tarawera Crater Experience
Professional Kiwi Guide
Free Hotel/Motel Pickup
Lunch
Pickup points
Malfroy Motor Lodge Rotorua
51 Malfroy Road Rotorua New Zealand
Sequoia - Acacia Lodge Motel
40 Victoria Street, Rotorua New Zealand
Terume Resort
88 Ranolf Street, Rotorua New Zealand
Kuirau Park Motor Lodge
Corner Hinemoa/Ranolf Sts.,, PO Box 837 Rotorua New Zealand
Options
Mt Tarawera Experience
Mt Tarawera Experience : Experience the majesty of Mt Tarawera. Infamous for its eruption on June 10th, 1886. Unmatched scenic vistas, 360 panoramic views this experience is ideal for all ages, includes an optional scree run.
Pickup included
Reviews
281 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing hike
hjb342021,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Weather was perfect. Hike was amazing. Guides were great. Hike was challenging, but everyone in our group was able to do it. The views were spectacular! And to be on sacred Māori land and pay our respects was emotional. Highly recommend, but keep in mind, it’s not an easy hike.
Family adventure
Sanjay M,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome team and amazing views. Going down the scree was an amazing experience. A must do. Worth every penny. Guides were very engaging and knowledgeable.
Great Hike!
jwexler520,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderfully guided, fun and interesting tour. Beautiful views and friendly guides. We had a great time on this tour and would highly recommend it.
Good trip with fantastic views.
Adventure33950244654,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A lovely experience with good crew. The tour team obviously knew their stuff with information about the history, geology, and heritage of the area. They were very helpful and aided those who needed it. The tour was a good length with time to complete the hike and soak in the views. The crowd size was appropriate for the hiking although there were not enough gaters to go around all. A note in the introductory email would have been useful for those who owned them to bring them along. The trip into the crater was good fun although some participants were a little wary. The views were awesome from several points along the trail. All in all, thanks for a great morning.
Breathtaking Experience
Jenna Y,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was so amazing. The guides were all phenomenal, made sure we were comfortable on the drive out, multiple bathroom breaks, and even provided walking sticks. The hike was educational as well as just breathtaking. They took many breaks and accommodated to many fitness levels and ages. They made sure we were safe and taught us proper techniques for the scree run, and also helped take photos for us. My partner and I were a bit younger with a higher fitness level, and were lucky that the guide made sure we were in front, and led us out first so we could make our tour bus in time. Shout out to Ty (not sure how he spells his name) who was an amazing guide and driver. Impeccable music on the way in and out as well.
The best day ever
lynettek594,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome ,the guides were wonderful definitely recommend 10 out of 10 Would recommend to my family and friends will be doing again
Great, not to be missed adventure…
J967YHjennym,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day! So lucky with the weather, making the views spectacular! It was quite a tough climb, both up and down, so we would question the description of a moderate walk? However, we managed it without any problem, and were very pleased to have gone ahead with it. The guides, and driver, were excellent, informative, friendly, helpful and very cheery. Highly recommend this tour, but just be aware, it’s high, and steep in places, and the scree on the way down is deep, wear decent boots and either high socks or gaiters 😃
Combo hike/raft is fabulous!
450danh450,,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the combo half day crater hike and rafting —it was great!! Picked up promptly at our Aura Accommodation hotel (highly recommend) and after very bumpy ride on dirt road up mt started our hike. Hiked about 900 ft up with beautiful views of crater at top! Im 57 and huffed a little but doable. Our guide Hare Gave Maori history bits and then we descended down into crater! You MUST go down into crater to get to other side—two of our group had slick sneakers so backed out. My adult daughter did it in Asics and my husband rented hiking boots at hut since he only had sandals. Super fun! For combo, they drop you off in town have hour for lunch on own, then pick up for rafting. Connor and Jack kept us laughing and safe—crazy drop over falls and you WILL get wet!! Totally thrills!
A Great Experience
forsythwhittles,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful experience! After a fifty minute drive, the last section over fairly bumpy dirt track we arrived at the start of our trek. The initial views were stunning. We were lucky. We had a clear day. The views of this amazing landscape got better. Our guides were informative and helpful. The walk was challenging at times, but exhilarating. The scree scramble was particularly memorable! It wasn’t a long hike. Only a couple of hours, but well worth it. A thoroughly memorable day out!
Amazingly beautiful landscape within the crater slopes of Mt. Tarawera.
senlow61,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great hiking experience with new experience of scurrying down scoria slopes of Mt Tarawera. Made most enjoyable by guides Rangi and Piri.
From NZ$195.00
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Operated by Kaitiaki Adventures Aotearoa