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‘s Included
4.5 Hr Mt Tarawera Crater Experience
Professional Kiwi Guide
Free Hotel/Motel Pickup
Lunch
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.
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
274 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Combo hike/raft is fabulous!
450danh450,
Nov 3, 2025
- 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
- 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
- Tripadvisor
5.00Great hiking experience with new experience of scurrying down scoria slopes of Mt Tarawera. Made most enjoyable by guides Rangi and Piri.
A truly memorable experience
A9215GLalexandral,
Oct 25, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00It felt really special to be able to visit the crater of Mount Tarawera. It felt barren and isolated, with breathtaking views. The guides were friendly and enthusiastic. The walk itself had challenging parts which added a bit of adrenaline to the mix.
Unique hike within...
Javiera C,
Sep 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Unique hike inside a crater of the sleeping volcano. The photos do not do justice to the view and landscape that can be appreciated. You're taken up in a van to the low rim of the crater, and there begins the tour bordering the crater to finish inside it. That, you have to keep in mind that it is not such an easy hike in certain sections. Very good experience!
Fantastic experience!
Paradise61557452393,
Sep 19, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00All perfect! Good experience with a great guides, always with good mood. We saw beautiful views and landscapes, I will do it again if I could
Loved every minute it
Jet17238342959,
Sep 19, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience from pick up to drop off. The team leading us were fun, knowledgeable and made the whole trip a pleasure. The scenery and the challenge of climbing up and then running down into the crater was second to none. Highly recommend
Great volcano trip
Sightsee67706597391,
Sep 7, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, views and tour guide! It was a very good experience full of great views, interesting facts about the volcano and the surroundings and all with a good pace accommodating all in the group. I highly recommend this trip!
Mt. Tarawera, rerehua!
ssen2021,
Aug 16, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00My friends and I had an amazing experience in exploring Mt. Tarawera. The vibrant colours of the mountain added to it’s unique beauty! ngā mihi!
Satisfactory
Excursion31413170089,
Aug 16, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! Definitely one for the books. I highly recommend this trip to those seeking a unique adventure and creative boost. Satisfied with overall experience - plus the great service from our tour guide Perez👌💯
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Operated by Kaitiaki Adventures Aotearoa