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Rotorua Hiking | Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Hike Experience - 4.5hrs

4.9
201
Deals from $99.00 Save $110.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Experience the Rotorua history and unique landscape that is Mount Tarawera. Let our local knowledgeable guides enthrall you on this fully guided walking experience.

Experience the Rotorua history and unique landscape that is Mount Tarawera. Let our local knowledgeable guides enthrall you on this fully guided walking experience.

Highlights

  • 4WD Drive 8.2Km up to the Base Camp, Toilet Stop
  • Drive to Craters Edge & Commence Hike (Several Options available)
  • Approx. 90 minute Hike, Be enthralled by History and Cultural stories
  • 'Scree Run' into the heart of the Volcanic Crater
  • Optional pick up from Central Rotorua with running commentary from Guide of surrounding area
  • Return drive back to Rotorua after your adventure!

Experience the history and unique landscape that is Mount Tarawera. Mt Tarawera erupted on June 10th, 1886, the eruption destroyed the legendary Pink and White Terraces but also created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu.

Let our local knowledgeable guides enthrall you on this fully guided walking experience. With 360 panoramic views and unmatched scenic vistas this trip encompasses the unique landscape and history of the area. It is ideal for all ages and includes an optional run in to the heart of the volcanic crater!

Per Person $209.00

What's included

  • Shuttle/Transport
  • Local Knowledgeable Guide

Duration

  • 4.5Hrs

Location

  • Meeting Location: Main Carpark Hemo Road. Located directly off the Hemo Road Roundabout (Next door to Te Puia)

Restrictions

  • Minimum age: 7

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

  • If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

  • Courtesy transport Option: Available 7 days a week from all central Rotorua accommodations, and the Rotorua Information Centre.

    Self-Drive Option: Main Carpark Hemo Road. Located directly off the Hemo Road Roundabout (Next door to Te Puia).

    Please indicate if you require the courtesy transport option, or if you will self-drive to the meeting location when proceeding through checkout.

    Suitable for Moderate Level of Physical Fitness - if you are unsure, please contact us!

    This experience is weather dependent: We do hike in the rain however some views maybe compromised. We do not hike in high winds.

Available Bookings from 6 Feb to 19 Feb 2026

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
Fri 6 Feb
Sat 7 Feb
Sun 8 Feb
Mon 9 Feb
Tue 10 Feb
Wed 11 Feb
Thu 12 Feb
Fri 13 Feb
Sat 14 Feb
Sun 15 Feb
Mon 16 Feb
Tue 17 Feb
Wed 18 Feb
Thu 19 Feb

  • Per Person$99.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$99.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$99.00

  • Per Person$99.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$99.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$99.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$153.00

  • Per Person$153.00

  • Per Person$99.00

  • Per Person$99.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$99.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$99.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$109.00

  • Per Person$109.00

  • Per Person$153.00

  • Per Person$109.00

  • Per Person$109.00

  • Per Person$109.00

  • Per Person$109.00

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.9

201 reviews

Showing all 201 authenticated Bookme reviews

Sheryl Cullen from New Zealand wrote on 17 June 2025

Great Trip

Beautiful views. Tramped at the pace of the slowest person with plenty of stops to look around. Knowledgeable young guides. The trip in the 4wd van on the way up was an experience in itself. Saw wallabies.

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From Rotorua Hiking | Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Hike Experience - 4.5hrs

Glad to hear you had such a great experience! It sounds like a perfect mix of stunning scenery, a relaxed pace, and insightful guidance. The 4WD van ride must have added a real sense of adventure—and spotting wallabies is always a bonus! Nga Mihi / Thank you From the Team at Kaitiaki Adventures :)

Peter Kon from Australia wrote on 31 March 2023

Fantastic Mt. Tarawera Experience

Fantastic guides Dan and AJ gave us a great insight into local culture and took great care of us all as we completed the trek. We shared amazing views and experiences as we went round the volcano rim and down into the crater. What a privilege to be part of such a great experience.

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From Rotorua Hiking | Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Hike Experience - 4.5hrs

Kia Ora Peter. Thank you for your review! We are glad you had a great time with us and with Dan and AJ as your guides. Hope to see you back again. Nga Mihi

Sanjay Madhav from New Zealand wrote on 08 January 2026

Must do activity

Must do hike with an awesome team from bus driver at pick up to trail guides. Awesome views and going down the scree trail was so muck fun.

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Valerie Wootton from Canada wrote on 26 January 2026

Watch the Weather

We had very poor weather, wind, rain and clouds leading to 8 meters of visibility. Safety wise some clients were not appropriately dressed for the conditions especially when we were standing for commentary getting chilled. The guides did not set a good example as some had no jackets or wore shorts. Considering the weather perhaps it should have been canceled. The guides did not talk enough about the 1886 eruption and the effect on the people. This could have been done on the bus out of the elements. It would have been a great trip if we could have seen something.

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Anonymous from United States wrote on 15 May 2024

Enjoy the hike but

Hiking Mt Tarawera was one of the highlight of the trip and we were really looking forward to that. However, the guide was late for more than one hour to pick us up. Their office did inform us in advance that he will be 15 mins late but turned out we waited for almost 1.5 hours. We have other arrangements after the trip and that got postponed due to that. I have never experienced such delay for a guided tour, purely unacceptable! Mt Tarawera was beautiful and we really enjoyed the scenery. The hike was quite difficult however. It is described as moderate on the website but it can be quite challenging for some people. You have to slide down the steep mountain after reaching the top and it was quite intimidating at first. Just wish we were better prepared.

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From Rotorua Hiking | Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Hike Experience - 4.5hrs

Kia Ora Anonymous person! We are sorry the tour timings didn't work out for the day, This was due to an unexpected change is staffing. We are still glad you enjoyed the trip! We have also a frequently asked questions page on our website that helps to prepare for the tour. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your travels! Nga Mihi, Kaitiaki Adventures

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This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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