Tarawera Trail Drop Off - Walk starts at Hot Water Beach.

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.