Tarawera Trail Drop Off - Walk starts at Hot Water Beach.
Duration
5 hour(s)
Languages
English
Skip the line
Included
Enjoy relaxing 25 minute water taxi across lake
Pass historic sites and view cascading streams
Swim or soak at Hot Water Beach in summer
Trail suitable for reasonable walkers of all ages
€ 3.18
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This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
Additional taxes and fees may apply — total shown at checkout.
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The Tarawera Trail tour from Hot Water Beach offers an unforgettable outdoor experience combining scenic walking, boat travel, and the beauty of New Zealand’s native forests. The adventure begins with a free van shuttle from the Tarawera Trail Car Park to Kariri Point Reserve, a short fifteen-minute ride that ensures you are ready for the water taxi. Guests then enjoy a twenty-five-minute boat ride across Lake Tarawera, taking in views of the lake and surrounding bush before arriving at the Hot Water Beach starting point. From here, walkers follow the Tarawera Trail for approximately fifteen kilometers. The trail winds through native forests, crosses spring-fed streams, and passes historic sites along the way. Reasonable walkers typically complete this section in four to five hours, with plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the landscape, take photographs, or dip in the cool lake waters during summer.
After reaching the end of the trail, the water taxi returns guests to Kariri Point Reserve for a relaxing finish to the day. The total experience, including shuttle rides, boat trips, and walking, takes around five to six hours depending on walking pace and stops. Along the way, visitors are encouraged to bring comfortable walking shoes, drinking water, lunch, sunscreen, a camera, and swimming attire if they wish to enjoy the lake. This tour is suitable for those looking for a mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation in one day.
Water taxi rides
Van shuttle
All weather boat travel
Gratuities
Weather appropriate clothing
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Water bottle
Lunch
Camera
Swimming costume and towel
Bookings are essential for water taxi operation
Trail distance approximately 15 kilometers
Allow 4 to 5 hours to complete walk
Trail can be shared with other visitors
Cell phone coverage limited along trail
Suitable for reasonable walkers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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Activity Provider: Totally Tarawera
Customer Reviews
JOHN
They say allow 5-6 hours. I suggest more. I stopped at the first amenities stop, had a beautiful swim then carried on. On the return trip I stopped off at cold creek for another swim, blissful. Stunning walk!!
vanessa
Beautiful trail some good inclines. Nice to have a dip at the other end before getting the water taxi back. Great service with a ride to the car park. Thanks totally tarawera
Kane
Lovely hike! Beautiful views of the lake from many points and some lovely bushland to traverse with a couple of solid hill climbs thrown in. Parts of the track were a bit eroded which made for more technical hiking. Definitely a solid 4+ hours at a good pace. The Totally Tarawera water taxi service was excellent.
Marcel
Beautiful hiking trail. You can do the trail in about 3,5 hrs if you have good fitness but if you’re unsure about it, I'd recommend planning with 5 hrs. I rode the water taxi on the way back, which is great after a long walk.
Francis
Great walk, beautiful scenic views of the lake as you stroll along. Nicely shaded for the most part too. The estimated times of signs are overly optimistic though, assumes an average speed of around 15min/km. Definitely allow for more time if you're not planning on speeding along.