Climb around the crater of Mount Tarawera. © Graeme Murray

Climb Mount Tarawera

TAP FOR MORE INFO:

Despite its destructive history, Mount Tarawera today is a sleeping giant.

Back in 1886, the eruption of Mount Tarawera was one of New Zealand’s worst recorded natural disasters. 120 people lost their lives, villages were destroyed and the legendary Pink and White Terraces – the eighth wonder of the world – were decimated. 

But since then, the mountain has been relatively peaceful. 

Today, you can climb the scree slopes to the summit on a guided tour for stunning views across Rotorua and all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Marvel at the multi-coloured gravels and scoria formed in the eruption and even descend into the main crater itself. 

Mount Tarawera is under the guardianship – kaitiakitanga – of local Iwi, Rangitihi, so the mountain is only accessible with certified guides. 

Explore more… 

More stories like this

Find out more

Get outdoors

Experience the world's youngest geothermal system at Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Take a walk through Rotorua’s Waimangu Volcanic Valley and learn about how the world began. Read the story . . . 

Find out more

Activities

Get a whole new perspective of ancient forest in Rotorua

Whether you’re clipped to a zipline, bouncing across a swing bridge or strolling along a 50-metre-high walkway, you’ll get a whole new perspective on native bush in Rotorua.  Read the story . . . 

Find out more

Activities

Classic Rotorua

Known as Roto-Vegas for good reason, the Rotorua tourist trail is bright, exciting and loaded with thrills.  Read the story . . . 

Find out more

Activities

Adventure time: Rotorua rafting

White water rafting on Rotorua's Kaituna River is wet, wild... and wonderful.  Read the story . . .