Overview
Immerse yourself in the ultimate blend of adventure and cultural discovery with this extraordinary full-day combo! Begin your journey with a fully guided exploration of Mt. Tarawera, a site of immense geological and cultural significance. Infamous for its catastrophic eruption in 1886, Mt. Tarawera offers stunning volcanic landscapes and unmatched 360° panoramic views. As you trek through this dramatic terrain, your guide will share fascinating insights into the eruption’s impact on the region, including the creation of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, Waimangu. Suitable for all ages, this tour also includes the option to run into the heart of the volcanic crater for an extra adrenaline rush. After your volcanic adventure, the cultural experience continues at Te Puia, New Zealand’s premier Māori cultural and geothermal attraction. Join the Te Pō Guided Tour, where you’ll witness the world-famous Pohutu Geyser and explore geothermal wonders. As the evening deepens, be enchanted by a powerful Māori cultural performance, including a spine-tingling haka, offering a true connection to New Zealand’s Māori heritage. The experience culminates with a traditional hāngi feast, where you'll enjoy food cooked in geothermal steam, a delicious and authentic way to end your day.
What you will be doing
Departing Rotorua, we will drive for approximately 30 minutes until we reach the base of the Mt Tarawera 4WD track. We will then ascend the 4WD track. This is approximately 8.2 km of bumpy off-road terrain. (If you suffer from motion sickness, please inform your guide so they can place you in the least bumpy part of the vehicle.)
There is a toilet (composting) stop along the way at our base camp. This is where you can also pick up your walking stick.
We carry on in the vehicle until we reach the end of the road. This will be the point where we start the hīkoi (walk). We will stop at several bench seats along the walk. At the second bench seat, you will be shown the trail to the summit.
A medium to moderate level of fitness is required for the summit track. At this point, you can decide whether to proceed to the summit or choose lighter walking options offered by the guides. The summit is 1,111 m high, and the scree slope is a 45° incline approximately 400 m deep. The ground underfoot is volcanic scoria and can be slippery. There are two points along the summit track where four points of contact with the ground must be maintained; these sections are about 50 m in length.
The Te Pō Combo begins at 4:00 pm with fully guided experiences designed to enrich your visit to our historic geothermal valley. Each guide adds a personal touch to inspire and help visitors truly connect with the Te Puia experience.
Explore our stunning landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools, and feel the natural power of Pōhutu Geyser—the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Get up close with one of our national treasures at the Kiwi Conservation Centre. Visit the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and Āhua Gallery.
After working up an appetite, enjoy a mouth-watering buffet at our world-famous Pātaka Kai Restaurant & Bar, followed by an exhilarating cultural performance. If you want more, head back down into the geothermal wonderland to experience the renowned Pōhutu Geyser once again.
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: Main Carpark, Hemo Road, Whakarewarewa Rotorua 3015
🗺️ Instructions: Pre-Arrival waiver must be filled before arriving. Self Drive please arrive 15mins before start time. There is plenty of free parking available on site/s.
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children friendly
Fitness requirement
Moderate fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
Minimum age is 7 years old.
Bring sturdy walking shoes (sturdy trainers are fine), comfortable walking clothing (dress to the weather), water and snacks
Mt Tarawera Hiking tours are based in a mountainous environment, these activities inherently involve risks and potential hazards. Te Puia will have their own set of conditions you must agree to before departure through the park.
This activity can be subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Inclusion ✅
Tour guide
Tour transport
Pick up and drop off transport
Hiking pole
Dinner
Exclusion ❌
Gratuities
Water
Snack
About your host
Kaitiaki AdventuresWe are a multi award winning, 120% climate positive, kaupapa Māori Adventure Tourism Company utilising the unique and diverse landscapes surrounding Rotorua. Specialising in culturally integral white-water rafting, sledging experiences on the Okere section of the historic Kaituna river. Leading culturally steeped guided hiking expeditions on Mount Tarawera, Kaitiaki is humbled to hold the sole concession, taking manuhiri to the summit of Mount Tarawera.
QualMark 100% Pure new Zealand Experience Award Winner:
For every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.