For centuries, the Tarawera landscape has drawn people in - from those who travelled to experience the famed Pink and White Terraces, to manuhiri (visitors) today who come for the lake, the maunga (mountain), the geothermal wonders and the stories held in the land.
On 10 June 1886, the eruption of Mount Tarawera changed this place forever. Villages were buried, lives were lost, and the surrounding landscape was dramatically reshaped. Today, those histories are shared through experiences that help visitors understand what happened here, and why Tarawera remains such a powerful and significant place.
As the 140-year anniversary is acknowledged, now is meaningful time to explore Tarawera with curiosity, care and respect.
1. Visit one of New Zealand’s most-visited archaeological sites
Step into the Buried Village of Te Wairoa and explore one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant archaeological sites. Wander through excavated remains, view historical taonga and displays in the museum, follow the heritage trail through native bush, and see the waterfall that flows through the valley.
2. Explore the world’s youngest geothermal system
Formed after the eruption, Waimangu Volcanic Valley is the world’s youngest geothermal system - created by the same event that reshaped Tarawera and destroyed the famed Pink and White Terraces. Walk through the valley past steaming cliffs, hot springs and crater lakes, or continue to Lake Rotomahana for a boat cruise, where geothermal activity rises from the shoreline.
3. See Mount Tarawera from above
Take in the scale of Mount Tarawera from the air with Volcanic Air, flying over the volcanic rift, surrounding lakes and geothermal landscapes shaped by the eruption. From above, you can see Lake Tarawera, Lake Rotomahana, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, nearby geothermal parks and the lakes that define the Rotorua region. Their crater landing experience also gives visitors the chance to step onto the summit and walk along the crater edge.
4. Feel the scale of Tarawera from the summit
Experience the maunga up close with Kaitiaki Adventures on a guided walk across Mount Tarawera’s striking volcanic landscape. Their experiences take visitors along the crater edge, with views into the volcanic rift, across Lake Tarawera, Lake Rotomahana and the surrounding lakes district. Along the way, guides share kōrero about the mountain, the eruption and the powerful forces that shaped the land.
5. Follow the lake edge to Te Rātā Bay
Follow the Tarawera Trail along the edge of Lake Tarawera, where native bush, quiet bays and lake views lead towards Te Rātā Bay / Hot Water Beach. The 16-kilometre trail is a rewarding one-way walk, with changing views of the lake and maunga throughout the journey. Most walkers finish with a water taxi pick-up from Te Rātā Bay.
6. Travel by water to Te Rātā Bay
Travel across Lake Tarawera with Totally Tarawera and take in the beauty of the lake from the water. The water taxi takes visitors to Te Rātā Bay / Hot Water Beach, a secluded lakeside spot where geothermal springs warm the sand and water at the lake’s edge. Spend time relaxing on the shore, swimming in the lake, or enjoying the setting before cruising back across the water.
7. Experience Tarawera from an amphibious vehicle
Experience Tarawera and the surrounding lakes in a fun and memorable way with Rotorua Duck Tours. Travelling in an amphibious vehicle, the tour takes you from Rotorua through the lakes district, combining scenic road sections with splashdowns onto the water. Along the way, you’ll take in views of Lake Tarawera and hear stories about the area’s history and landscape.
8. Stay beside Lake Tarawera
Slow down and stay a little longer with accommodation beside Lake Tarawera, where mornings can begin with still water, birdsong and views across to the maunga. From lakeside holiday homes and private retreats to boutique stays tucked into the bush, this is a chance to experience Tarawera beyond a day trip.
9. See water emerge from ancient lava flows
Follow the Tarawera River to Tarawera Falls, where water from Lake Tarawera travels underground through ancient lava flows before plunging into the river below. The falls are a striking reminder of how volcanic activity has shaped this wider landscape, from the maunga and lake to the waterways that flow towards the eastern Bay of Plenty. Access is via Kawerau, a permit is required for vehicle access through the forestry road, so plan ahead before you go.
10. Soak up the view from Waitōharuru - Tarawera Landing
Waitōharuru also known as the Tarawera Landing is one of the main places where boats launch onto Lake Tarawera, making it a natural starting point for time on the water. It is also a scenic spot to pause, with open views across the lake to Mount Tarawera. Watch boats come and go from the jetty, and take in the scale of the maunga from the shoreline.
