Our friends from the Rotorua Pinoy Trail Walkers are once again hosting a PANZ hike at the epic Lake Tarawera. Bookings and water taxi payments via Eventbrite will open on Monday, 3rd of January 2022.

About Tarawera Trail (source: totallytarawera.com & doc.govt.nz)

The Tarawera Trail walk is gaining the reputation of being one of the most beautiful day walks in New Zealand. Added to this is the magical conclusion of a relaxing geothermal soak at Hot Water Beach at the end.

Once devastated by the 1886 Tarawera eruption, the Tarawera Trail represents a return of the people to their land and the birthplace of tourism in New Zealand. The track begins at Te Wairoa car park, off Tarawera Road, with opening views of beautiful Lake Tarawera. Follow the lake side trail through Katukutuku Bay and, 5 km in to the trail, stop at Hawaiki Bay to enjoy lake access and a picnic area with toilet facilities. The track continues with intermittent climbs, through lakeside bushland into Te Hinau Bay, passing over Twin Streams cold springs. After an uphill climb to reach the Rotomahana lookout point, descend into Te Rata Bay to enjoy a soak at Hot Water Beach, but be careful - localised patches of sand are very hot.

Plan for the day

Meeting place: Te Wairoa car park on Tarawera Road https://goo.gl/maps/zVruTPCYTFwAxnuz7

Meeting time: 6:30 am

Distance: 15km

Duration: About 5-6 hours including stops

Difficulty: Advanced (3.5 on a 1-5 scale with 5 being advanced/expert). Requires good level of fitness.

Weather: to be updated closer to the time

Walk description

The Trail starts from the Te Wairoa car park 400m before the Buried Village (about 15 minutes from Rotorua) and runs mainly lake-edge for 15km to Hot Water Beach. We will walk to Hot Water Beach (approximately 5hrs) and take the water taxi back (cost is $30), we will return to the carpark via a land transfer (to be arranged). Make sure you confirm your attendance to secure a spot on the water taxi.

As we walk, you will sense the awesome presence of the now ‘sleeping’ Mount Tarawera and enjoy the ever-changing glimpses of the Lake and its Bays along the way. Every bend reveals another dimension to this breath-taking scenery. We will pass historic sites and past settlements, cross spring-fed streams teeming with trout in the spawning season, walk under Rata and Pohutakawa trees, shaded by groves of giant Mamaku ferns. Take a short stop at isolated beaches with crystal clear water lapping at the shore or indulge yourself by passing some time at the lookouts and inlets that offer stunning views of Lake Rotomahana, as well as the many dips and valleys of the lands surrounding Lake Tarawera.

Most people take between 4 to 5 hours to walk the Trail and there is signage along the Trail that outline the distance and walking time between each landmark.

Transport + Cost

Totally Tarawera Water Taxi requires all passengers on their services to be vaccinated. There are the only dedicated water taxi service that picks walkers up from Hot Water Beach. Pick time will be 3:30pm.

Water taxi cost is $30 pp paid upon booking via Eventbrite.

What to bring/wear:

• NO COTTON WEAR - jeans/denims/shirts/jumper please

• A good pair of hiking shoes/boots

• snacks, packed lunch and at least 2L drink

• Personal FIRST AID KIT + medication

• clothing suitable for Rotorua summer

• sun and rain protection

• map from https://www.totallytarawera.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Tarawera-Trail-Map.jpg

• change of clothes and shoes if carpooling

• +++ lots of positivity and fun

Important Disclaimer:

Pinoy Adventurers NZ (PANZ) and its organisers work voluntarily and hold NO responsibility or liability for any injury suffered during the events organised. By signing up to attend PANZ events, you are acknowledging that you are a legal adult, have read the details and will take full responsibility of your safety and the safety of the minors with you.