Mount Tarawera

Take a wild and wacky ride with ZORB – roll down the longest tracks in the world. Owned and operated by inventors of this iconic activity, you get to slide around inside the inflatable ball in a warm water bath for a new type of thrill. Before you set off, your instructor explains how to ride and enjoy the twists and turns as the ball rolls downhill – don't worry it's like a giant water slide, no tumbling involved! Choose from three different runs that promise lots of laughs and fun.

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.

Leaving Tauranga you head south through rolling farmland and forestry, past Lake Rotorua and on to the magical Waimangu Valley where your guide will take you through the world’s youngest geothermal valley. Starting at the head of the valley you will wind your way down the 4 klm walk, passing a range of geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, and wildlife. Some highlights to look out for include the world's largest hot spring, and the brilliant blue Inferno Crater. The trails ultimately lead you down to the lake, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana. On the cruise, you'll encounter stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat, as well as rare native birdlife, and stunning views across the lake at the imposing Mount Tarawera. You can also listen to the onboard commentary of the historic stories of the lake, and hear about the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption that covered and destroyed the pink and white terraces.

Voted our most popular Tour – This tour is perfect for people wanting a full day sightseeing this diverse area including Mt Maunganui and Rotorua with a focus on the geothermal area of Whakarewarewa, "The living Maori Village." Enjoy a 40 minute concert emphasizing the deep and colourful Maori culture  with song dance and stories. On the way to Rotorua, marvel at beautiful beaches and multimillion dollar homes, before a 45 minute drive from the coast slowly ascending up the central plateau, through Kiwifruit plantations (we plan to stop so you can see these vines full of fruit but not ripe yet) and typical NZ pastoral farmland to our furthest inland destination, Rotorua. Take in the most popular sites of interest – Blue & Green lakes, view Mt Tarawera (erupted 1886) across the most gorgeous lake, walk through NZ native bush full of ferns and tall podocarps like an 1800's pioneer or Maori warrior. visit the mud pools of Kuirau Park, take a peek at the geysers (incl. famous Pohutu)  

Created by the violent Volcanic Eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886 Immerse yourself amongst the rare and unusual plants that grow on the hot earths of Waimangu, amongst the regenerating native Forests. Self Guided Walk that suits all fitness abilities. Enjoy views of the mysterious and beautiful Inferno Crater which rises and falls as it heats and cools. Home to Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World, the delicate sinter terraces growing from minerals solidifying

Tour Highlights: Start your journey with a convenient pickup from iSite Rotorua Visitor Center, 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua, and enjoy a scenic drive to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Created by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption, Waimangu is the world’s youngest geothermal system. Upon arrival, explore a breathtaking landscape filled with unique geothermal features, including Frying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot spring, and the mesmerizing blue Inferno Crater. Wander through steaming craters, bubbling pools, and vividly colored terrain, witnessing the powerful forces of nature and the vibrant regeneration of the valley. This tour allows you to experience Waimangu’s stunning blend of geothermal wonders and lush greenery at your own pace. Please complete your walk by 12:30 pm for a convenient return to Rotorua, bringing back unforgettable memories of this extraordinary place.

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Leaving Wai-O-Tapu we descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. Your return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to our lakefront pier.

Fly over New Zealand’s only permanently active offshore volcano, White Island and enjoy amazing aerial views of the island's crater lake and ever-changing volcanic activity. Continue across the Pacific Ocean and further inland to the site of the largest eruption in our living memory, Mount Tarawera.

Fly high over breathtaking volcanic landscapes on an unforgettable 30-minute seaplane flight from Rotorua. See New Zealand's world-famous volcanic scenery as you fly over spectacular Mt. Tarawera, the Blue and Green Lakes, and the gurgling geysers of Whakarewareewa Thermal Reserve. Flying at a time to suit you, this scenic air tour will fit into even the busiest of itineraries.

Get ready to explore the amazing Rotorua. Rotorua is New Zealand's ultimate holiday destination for locals and overseas visitors. Roto means lake and Rua means two – together, Rotorua means 'Second Lake'. A dream spot for sightseeing and a region steeped in Māori legend, history, and culture. On this tour, you will visit famous attractions such as the Pikirangi Maori Village, Kiwi House, and the Geothermal Valley. This is a tour including a driver and we can match your ideal itinerary or you can take our suggested. The tour does not include entrance fees. Highlights: – Te Puia – Government Garden – Redwood Forest – Green/Blue Lake – Rotorua Lake – Private tour allows for a flexible itinerary

By Floatplane, from above Mount Tarawera impressive views include vast volcanic rifts, distant national parks and our treasured lakes. Flying south we gain an appreciation of what local Maori term the ‘Sisters of Fire’, where volcanic activity has pierced the earth surface across the fault line forming the reserves of Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu which, when viewed from above display a spectacular pallet of nature’s most vibrant colours. Landing at Orakei Korako, ‘the Hidden Valley’, is an amazing opportunity to experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this hidden geothermal wonderland.

By Helicopter , combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera (for an approximate 20 minute guided walk with your pilot) with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. This tour highlights these amazing features unique to this region because of their location on our Faultline relative to the Pacific Rim of Fire.

Experience “Volcanic Extremes” flying over the active crater of “Whakaari” White Island before landing on the now dormant but extremely spectacular summit of Mount Tarawera. Both of these volcanoes are of significance, Whakaari more recently for the devastating 2019 eruption and Mount Tarawera for the much larger 1886 eruption considered to be the largest in New Zealand’s living memory. Different in the extreme, Whakaari is an active marine volcano and changes its activity on a daily basis while far inland Mount Tarawera stands impressively above its central North Island landscape. The mountains now dormant but no less impressive craters and domes are evidence of the massive eruption that shaped this area. Views from the Mountains summit are breathtaking, not only for the volcanoes deep craters but also for commanding vistas of the surrounding region.

As passionate conservationists we'll take you out of our way to discover birds you have never seen. A full day birding adventure checking out a few sites to maximize your chances to see a range of endemic New Zealand birds. We explore arguably New Zealand's finest forest, stunning estuaries, amazing wetlands and seek out rare birds in their natural habitat.

Unearth the geothermal hotspots to enjoy the surreal landscapes and mysterious appeal of active geothermal sites at Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland. Discovery of the city’s vibrancy, and beautifully preserved 1930s architecture, is Napier's special point of difference. Offering an ideal base to explore, the welcoming nature of Cape Kidnappers, is an outstanding bird-watching destination, with dramatic coastal views into the Pacific. Walk through the city on an Art deco tour and pass through the spectacular natural landscapes unlike those found anywhere else in the world. Continuing, Lake Taupō is known for its stunning natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters, rugged mountains, and a variety of wildlife and the thundering Huka falls. Get right up close to explore lake Taupō on an eco-friendly scenic cruise around the Western Bays of the Lake to see the huge Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay.

Fly over the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory, Mount Tarawera, and gain an appreciation of how the 1886 eruption changed this stunning landscape. From Mount Tarawera to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, view the eruption trail and surrounding Lakes district whilst enjoying informed commentary from your experienced local pilot/guide, continuing your experience on your floatplane scenic flight, fly towards lake Rotoiti. Landing on the lake we’ll taxi to the pier where you disembark, your Eden awaiting. Only accessible by water, the hot pools are in a secluded bay on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Seemingly disconnected from the world, this is where you’ll spend 90 minutes, with your only concerns being which pool to experience next. Take your time soaking, cool off in the lake, rest a bit on a lounger and repeat before returning to the Rotorua City Lakefront.