Mt Tarawera Volcanic Guided Hike Experience
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Mt Tarawera Volcanic Guided Hike Experience
By Kaitiaki Adventures
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 7-80, max of 20 per group
Duration: 4h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- 4.5 Hr Mt Tarawera Crater Experience
- Professional Kiwi Guide
- Free Hotel/Motel Pickup
What's not included- Lunch
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- We pick up from most accommodations in central Rotorua
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Additional pickup optionsDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.- Main Car Park, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 15820P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 15820P3
From
$195.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- HBay_Boy0 contributionsAll Action Adventure ExperienceAn amazing experience topped off by incredibly knowledgeable and professional guides. Would not hesitate to recommend this thrilling, all action adventure experience.Written 17 February 2025
- DayTrip546307344440 contributionsGo hard or go home!What an exhilarating experience! Glad we did this with the Kaituna mob & Capt. Malcolm steered us through some wild water & stunning rainforest with ease & assured my nervous fiance she'd be fine. Well done & thanks again everyone. The pics were fantastic too. We'll see you again. Woohoooo! Andrew & Tash. 13Feb'25Written 12 February 2025
- K796KGemmat0 contributionsA must do in Rotorua!Amazing experience! So much fun with all the crew and other rafters. Rafting down 3 waterfalls including the 7m was the most fun I’ve had all year! Thank you to everyone involved and especially Himmy and Jackie for a fun trip with courtesy shuttle to/from our hotelWritten 8 February 2025
- Passport659577232710 contributionsA must do in New ZealandWow wow wow, an amazing experience. I am not confident in the water and I loved it. So glad we did this. Can’t recommend Captain Jack enough. Made our experience very special, fabulous man. Also Connor our safety observer, made us feel so safe through the whole experience. A must do for everyone.Written 7 February 2025
- jimhD5386XG0 contributionsAmazing adventure filled rafting trip!I have rafted many places and this trip was one of the best in 30 years of boating. The scenery was amazing and the drops incredible. We had “Captain Jack” as our guide and he was the best! We wanted to play and enjoy the whole experience and he was mor than happy to oblige. He is a local and his knowledge and respect for the land were the topping on a great morning. Can’t recommend strongly enough! Go do it, you won’t regret it!Written 7 February 2025
- Coastal365516930700 contributionsAmazing experienceUnforgettable and amazing experience. My husband and I enjoyed it a lot, we just did it yesterday with such an amazing and friendly team. Well organized with a lot of fun. Our guide Deb, was amazing and friendly, I was surprised knowing that she was still a trainee, she looked very experienced and confident in her job. Jack was amazing too and did great job. Thank you again . Highly recommendedWritten 6 February 2025
- Tabcolorado0 contributionsAbsolutely a must- and our guide Kyle was fantastic.We’re a group of 6 best friends (3 couples) who travel the world together. We chose the white water rafting adventure as a fun excursion while in the Rotorua area. What a blast! Admittedly, there were a few nerves when hearing what could go wrong on the big 7 meter waterfall, and how to handle it when if it did. But our guide was the BEST. Kyle was fun, entertaining, helpful, excellent, skilled and made the whole thing amazingly fantastic! We drove ourselves to the headquarters, checked in and got helmets, booties, and PFD. No wetsuits were needed because the day was sunny and warm. We took a 10 minute bus ride to the river. There, Kyle gave clear instructions on what to do and how to do it. He was, by far, the best guide there. We didn’t flip our boat going down the waterfalls, and no one fell out. (One of the other boats had 2 girls fall out.). We had a chance to get out of the boats and “swim” down a rapid, solo. That was something else, I did it, and suggest it if you’re a confident swimmer because you’ll go under and be churned around a bit at the bottom of the rapids. Bottom line - we absolutely recommend them, and congratulate Kyle on successfully starting and ending with all 6 of us.Written 3 February 2025
- Macash0 contributionsThe Best Rafting Experience in the World!Unbelievably brilliant experience. Every aspect was thoroughly thought out, carefully planned and brilliantly executed. I loved the fact Kaitiaki had consulted with the local iwi and worked with them when establishing this business. I loved the Karakia, the honouring of iwi, ancestors, awa and environment - so poignant, respectful, spiritual and genuine. The rafting itself was challenging but very doable - I'm 66 and stayed aboard! The chance to swim a rapid was also an absolute highlight. Ben and Jessie were our guides and are the absolute best. Personable and professional, passionate and informative. This was quite simply one of the highlights of my lifetime. The photos were part of our package, and the price - we purchased through iSite in Rotorua - was very cheap and of exceptional value. Three plus hours for $80 each and photos included - unbeatable. A few groups offer this adventure, but none compares with Kaitiaki - they really do see themselves as physical and spiritual guardians (Kaitiaki) of this beautiful awa Kaituna. PS - I have absolutely no connection to this company but I am a massive fan as of now.Written 31 January 2025
- louiselT9008BX0 contributionsIncredibleAbsolutely amazing Completed with my nearly 70yr old dad (who is fit). Our guide Hemi was incredible (as were the whole crew). Such fun. Felt very safe the whole time. If you're not sure whether to do- go for it!Written 24 January 2025
- Eastbournefamily0 contributionsBest thing everBen was a star, I’ve never felt so safe doing something so daft, one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. I’m over 60 and so glad I did it, it’s no wonder these reviews are so good.Written 20 January 2025
- Graham A0 contributionsWOW, WOW and WOWAt 58 years old this has got to have been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC… thoroughly recommend for anyone to do this if visiting RotoruaWritten 19 January 2025
- Alycia W0 contributionsIf you want an awesome fun adventurous day, look no further!The white water and sledging adventure was amazing. Our guides Hamish, Ben, and Jace were so friendly and made the day an absolute blast! We are in Rotarua for part of our honeymoon and it was a super fun adventure to do together! I had never been rafting before and hadn’t even heard of sledging. As an added bonus, the water was 23 degrees Celsius! When I went in the water it was like a warm, chaotic, bath. Thank you to the team for a phenomenal day! *notes: wear your bathing suit, they have wetsuits you can put on. You get water boots (mandatory). If you’re doing both the rafting and sledging, bring a small snack for in between + water to sip when you reset before sledging. Don’t wear anything valuable (if you accidentally bring, they can lock up valuables for you/you can put your excess clothes and they get locked in the change room). Bring a fresh pair of clothes to change into for when you’re done!Written 15 January 2025
- teganm1600 contributionsExhilarating Rafting Adventure with Kaitiaki AdventuresRafting with Kaitiaki Adventures was an incredibly fun and thrilling experience! The entire team brought such amazing energy, making it a standout highlight of my time in Rotorua. Hemi and Ruby's expert knowledge ensured we felt safe throughout the adventure, adding to the excitement and enjoyment. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience!Written 12 January 2025
- 565nikp0 contributionsJust do itHighly recommended! The team is great and fun, the water is warm. It's a must do experience with 3 waterfalls. Ruby is the best!Written 11 January 2025
- martintH5889VW0 contributionsJust do it!Amazing fun. Not as scarry as it looks. Erin our boat leader did excellent job getting us down safe while having as much fun as possible.Written 3 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
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NZP0PPY
New Zealand29,127 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The beauty of mother nature was stunning. We loved the scenery and mountains. We were pleased the direct trail was under maintenance so we did a longer trail and saw more. Although it would have been nice to be advised of this before we were on the trail as we had arranged to meet friends for lunch. And instead of arriving back at 12.45 we arrived back at 2.15.
I really recommend the walk - stunning views, a bit of adventure, history and fun (going down that scree slope was so much fun). The walk isnt hard - there are some short sharp sections but everyone in our group managed without any difficulty.
The disappointing thing was the long long long frequent breaks. We would walk a little bit and warm up and then stop for 15 mins and get cold. The group was keen to move on at the first stop, but we just hung around and hung around and hung around. And the same at each stop. I talked to the guide in front while walking but she had her earpods in and didnt hear anything or acknowledge. And at the top the guides on their devices. Fortunately it was an easy group with no hassles but go prepared. take food, be self sufficient. on a windy day it can be cold waiting around. but then hot in the sun - beanie and sunhat both required.
The bouncy drive to the top and back down rivals many amusement park rides.
I definitely recommend the tour - and i would recommend the full day over the half day as you get to see so much more fissures and craters and features.
I really recommend the walk - stunning views, a bit of adventure, history and fun (going down that scree slope was so much fun). The walk isnt hard - there are some short sharp sections but everyone in our group managed without any difficulty.
The disappointing thing was the long long long frequent breaks. We would walk a little bit and warm up and then stop for 15 mins and get cold. The group was keen to move on at the first stop, but we just hung around and hung around and hung around. And the same at each stop. I talked to the guide in front while walking but she had her earpods in and didnt hear anything or acknowledge. And at the top the guides on their devices. Fortunately it was an easy group with no hassles but go prepared. take food, be self sufficient. on a windy day it can be cold waiting around. but then hot in the sun - beanie and sunhat both required.
The bouncy drive to the top and back down rivals many amusement park rides.
I definitely recommend the tour - and i would recommend the full day over the half day as you get to see so much more fissures and craters and features.
Written 19 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maps05648326330
5 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
If you're looking for something unique to do in the beautiful Rotorua area, I would recommend this! You can only make your way up Tarawera with the permission of the local hapū who work alongside Kaitiaki Adventures. Money from doing this also goes back to the local hapū as well as conservation projects for maintaining Tarawera. The hike was only a couple of hours because we took our time and ate our lunch in the crater of the volcano once we had fun sliding down the scree. It was a totally manageable hike as well - enough to make you work up a sweat but not hard enough to be off putting. One of the women in our tour group was 70 year's old and led from the front with our awesome guide, Jack, who not only knew where all the good photo/video spots were but who educated us along the way by sharing significant facts re: the volcano, the area as well as local peoples and their histories etc: again, if you're looking for something unique to do in the beautiful Rotorua area, I would most definitely recommend this!
Written 30 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora! We're delighted to receive your review of our Kaitiaki Experience. Your feedback inspires us to continue offering immersive cultural adventures with the utmost manaakitanga. Nāku iti nei, nā (yours sincerely).
Written 27 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
647iainm
Auckland Central, New Zealand12 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
Great experience. The guides Jesse and Chucky ( I know!) were great with local knowledge but also kept the group together ( the fast and the slow) to make it fun for everyone. Some challenging parts of the walk but the views are spectacular. The bus ride up to the crater is worth the money - roller coaster fun
Written 23 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo Ann N
2 contributions
Great experience. I am afraid of heights but was so intrigued by this opportunity, I signed up anyway. Not being in the same hiking shape I was in years ago, I contemplated turning back at the point of no return. I am so glad I didn’t! The guides were excellent and the experience well planned to be manageable for almost anyone. With several stops along the way, and the guides’ providing great info, there was plenty of time for me to enjoy the views without looking down while actually walking. They showed us how to navigate the scree descent so it was not as scary as I anticipated. So if you’ve never done anything like this before, and think it might be terrifying, I highly recommend doing it anyway. You will be glad you did. The surroundings are stunning and you won’t get the total appreciation any other way.
Written 9 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K Roberts
3 contributions
Jul 2021
This was a fantastic team building activity for our students visiting on a school trip from Te Wai Pounamu. The mountain is so different to anything we have in the South Island so both getting to the top and running down the scree were highlights for us.
Jackie has some skills at 4WD a bus up the maunga and Harry even accompanied one from our group (down the asile) to get everyone back safely. We had such a great experience that will stay with us, we highly recommend this, especially to other kura.
Jackie has some skills at 4WD a bus up the maunga and Harry even accompanied one from our group (down the asile) to get everyone back safely. We had such a great experience that will stay with us, we highly recommend this, especially to other kura.
Written 6 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Such a great review! Thank you. Its awesome to hear that your kura had a great time up on Mt Tarawera with our guides Jackie and Harry. Its a very special piece of history that we enjoy sharing with everyone and were glad we got to share that with you guys! Hope to see you in the near future.
Nga Mihi, Kaitiaki Adventures
Written 9 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Voyager28643808904
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
It was so amazing I can't put it into words!
The detailed explanations from the two guides, the bumpy mountain road drive (more than I expected), the three-colored rock mountain in white, red, and black, the 360-degree view from the summit, the slope at about 45 degrees, the view from inside and outside the volcano... it was an amazing experience that will probably only come once in a lifetime.
I recommend this to people who love rocks, mountain climbing, and nature, and want to have an exciting experience!
In addition, this mountain is sacred to the Maori, and there is a limit to the number of people who can climb it. In fact, I only had two days in four months to make a reservation. Thank you so much for the valuable experience!
The detailed explanations from the two guides, the bumpy mountain road drive (more than I expected), the three-colored rock mountain in white, red, and black, the 360-degree view from the summit, the slope at about 45 degrees, the view from inside and outside the volcano... it was an amazing experience that will probably only come once in a lifetime.
I recommend this to people who love rocks, mountain climbing, and nature, and want to have an exciting experience!
In addition, this mountain is sacred to the Maori, and there is a limit to the number of people who can climb it. In fact, I only had two days in four months to make a reservation. Thank you so much for the valuable experience!

Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
私たちの素晴らしいタラウェラ山の体験をレビューしていただき、誠にありがとうございます。本当にユニークな場所ですので、皆様をお迎えできることを光栄に思います。いつかまた訪問できることを願っています:)気をつけてください!安全な旅行
Written 10 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris D
Washington, District of Columbia, United States15 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
This is a short but exhilarating hike. Short in the sense of total distance travelled, but it's a good amount of time on the mountain. Our guides, Anahera and Caprice, were great and provided us with lots of information about the mountain, the surrounding land, their history, and their people.
While this hike is suitable for most ages and skill levels, you should have a moderate level of fitness to do it. There are a few areas that are fairly vertical, both hiking up and hiking down, which could be difficult for people who aren't used to hiking or who have issues affecting their mobility.
Overall, if you like to hike and want to see a beautiful volcanic crater with lots of awesome views, I'd definitely recommend letting this team take you up Mt. Tarawera.
While this hike is suitable for most ages and skill levels, you should have a moderate level of fitness to do it. There are a few areas that are fairly vertical, both hiking up and hiking down, which could be difficult for people who aren't used to hiking or who have issues affecting their mobility.
Overall, if you like to hike and want to see a beautiful volcanic crater with lots of awesome views, I'd definitely recommend letting this team take you up Mt. Tarawera.
Written 25 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora! We're thrilled to have provided a journey filled with cultural immersion and adventure. Thank you!
Written 28 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tonicarty
Auckland Central, New Zealand22 contributions
Jan 2023
I'm usually not one for doing any hikes as a tour group but as it was the only option for Tarawera maunga, my mates and I decided to give it a go. I honestly could not rate the experience higher. Dan and AJ were very communicative and kept track of the wider group despite a larger variety of ages and abilities. Dan was very friendly and knowledgeable, providing many laughs and making everyone feel safe throughout the track. The hike itself is less than four hours but none of us felt like we missed anything as you seemingly experience all angles and views, including a great trip into the crate. The views are unbelievable and I highly recommend this experience to everyone now.
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora,
Thank you for the epic review! It means a lot and we are pumped you had a great time hiking with us! We do our best to provide a safe, informative and positive experience during our trips!
Nga mihi nui,
Written 25 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AllBooked
Toronto, Canada22 contributions
This is a wonderful hike through on a beautiful mountain/inactive volcano. The scenery is stunning and it changes constantly. Be aware that there are some steep trails up and down on loose stone in some sections. You need to be steady on your feet. The ride in the bus up to the hiking is very bouncy - I would not recommend it if you get car-sick easily. Our guides were excellent and they taught us about the physical and spiritual aspects of what we were seeing. I would highly recommend this tour!
Written 10 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora 'AllBooked'!
Thank you for taking the time to review your awesome experience up Mt Tarawera! We hope to see you again one day soon!
Ma te wa,
Written 12 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tara F
London, UK5 contributions
I didn’t quite know what to expect when I booked this trip but it far surpassed any of my expectations! The guides were so enthusiastic and supportive - I felt completely safe and looked after the whole time, even during the more challenging parts of the hike. One step at a time… and so many laughs along the way.
The surroundings are stunning and so peaceful. Dan explained so much of the history and culture to us along the way and was such an engaging speaker - I really felt that it was a honour to be able to experience this wonderful place. Thank you!
The surroundings are stunning and so peaceful. Dan explained so much of the history and culture to us along the way and was such an engaging speaker - I really felt that it was a honour to be able to experience this wonderful place. Thank you!
Written 25 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora,
Thank you for the amazing review, we do our best to keep our customers engaged and happy as we know for some it can be a little challenging. It was a pleasure having you, we had an absolute blast! Thank you again!
Nga mihi nui,
Written 1 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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