Mount Tarawera

Mount Tarawera showing landscape views and hiking or walking


Casting an imposing shadow over the Rotorua region, this colossal volcano is responsible for one of the most devastating eruptions ever to occur in New Zealand.

Hike up the remarkable Mount Tarawera and marvel at the huge crater that was blown out more than a hundred years ago. Soak in the naturally heated springs nearby and admire panoramic views across the lake and back toward the mountain.

Imagine how it may have felt here when, after midnight on June 10, 1886, the ground began to tremble and plumes of hot lava suddenly shot from Mount Tarawera. Molten rock buried the majestic Pink and White Terraces nearby as smoke and ash were launched into the dark sky. Learn about the impact this devastating event had on the Rotorua region.

Exploring the volcano with an expert guide is a great way to gain insight into the mighty force of this seemingly benign landform. See the vast fields of rocks that were belched out from the planet’s core and inspect the remarkable crater. Now a deep ravine, the crater measures a staggering 6 kilometres (4 miles) in length.

For an even more breathtaking experience, consider viewing the volcano from the skies during a helicopter tour. A guide will show you the sights and tell you about the enthralling history of the mountain.

After visiting the volcano, head to nearby Lake Tarawera to relax. Sink into the geothermal pools that line the northern shores and feel any tension melting away. As you unwind in the warm, nutrient-rich water, admire the views across the calm lake with the volcano’s dark silhouette in the background.

Walking and helicopter tours of Mount Tarawera can be easily organised online. Most operators will pick you up from your accommodation around Rotorua and drive you to the volcano, which is approximately an hour away. Lake Tarawera is about a 30-minute drive southeast from the city.

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Popular places to visit


Top Mount Tarawera Hotel Deals

Rydges Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua
4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Rydges Rotorua
Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
3 out of 5
463 Old Taupo Road (South End), Rotorua
Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
Arawa Park Hotel
Arawa Park Hotel
4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
Arawa Park Hotel
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
4.5 out of 5
9-11 Tutanekai St, P O Box 348, Rotorua
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
All Seasons Holiday Park
All Seasons Holiday Park
4 out of 5
50-58 Lee Road, Hannahs Bay, Rotorua
All Seasons Holiday Park
Sudima Lake Rotorua
Sudima Lake Rotorua
4 out of 5
1000 Eruera Street, Rotorua
Sudima Lake Rotorua
Regal Palms Resort
Regal Palms Resort
5 out of 5
350 Fenton Street, Rotorua
Regal Palms Resort
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
4.5 out of 5
1270 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
ibis Rotorua
ibis Rotorua
3.5 out of 5
Lake End Rangiuru Street, Po Box 348, Rotorua
ibis Rotorua
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.