Mount Matavanu Crater
Mount Matavanu Crater
4
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4.0
17 reviews
Excellent
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Sightseer262174
Newcastle, Australia35 contributions
Oct 2017
The road is terrible (but worth it)! We made it up most of the way in an all wheel drive but it was dicey. Then we hiked the rest of the way, which wasn't all that long. About 3 quarters of the way up this treacherous poor excuse for a road you'll meet the super friendly and eccentric 'Da Crater Man' as he calls himself and his guard dog, Navy. Where he'll give you info about the volcanoes history. Once you reach the hiking spot, you hike a short distance through lush rain forest and eventually come out at the crater. No words or photos can show the enormity of it, in fact unless you have a drone, photos just do not do it justice. It's incredible. Definitely worth the trip, just take a 4wheel drive and be prepared for a smooch on the cheek by the somewhat toothless crater man.
Written 18 October 2017
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.
MikeZQN
Christchurch, New Zealand11 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
This was our longest side trip while staying at Le Lagoto. We had a hire Toyota RAV, which was very suitable for the 8km road uphill from Paia. We stopped to pay the entrance fee to Da Craterman and left our vehicle 1km above his fale where it was getting slippery for our vehicle. It was a very enjoyable walk through bush to the crater. On the return we gave Da Craterman's niece a ride down to Sofutu. Lonely Planet mention that some people walk up from Paia. Don't even think about it - it would be a long and hot walk!
Written 8 October 2016
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.
Mike M
Christchurch, New Zealand264 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
It takes a bit of planning to do this trip. Our group of 6 were staying at Savai'i Lagoon and we quickly learned that none of the taxi drivers / tour operators would take us to Mount Matavanu because the road is too rough and damages their cars. The solution was right next door at Le Legoto Resort, they have cars for hire, including a Nissan X-Trail that was fit for the job. Total cost of the hire for the day was 180 talas ( approx NZD$90.00 ) So we set off up the road, which quickly becomes a "river-bed" rather than a road, so although it is only approx 10km, it takes 30 - 40 minutes to get there. At the end of the road was a Fale and a gate blocking the trail. No "Crateman" - then we realised it was a Sunday and he was probably at Church ? So we snuck through the bush and around the gate and started walking up the trail. It does get very hot up here, no air-conditioning, no wind and no very little shade, so do bring plenty of sunblock and water. Our walk up to the crater took close to an hour ( but we stopped often to look at the signposts and plaques noting previous visitors). The last 5 minutes of the trail goes through some thick native vegetation teaming with birdlife and unusual insects ( like giant centipedes ? ). Can be a little slippery so wouldn't recommend jandals. But the views at the top are truly spectacular and make it all worthwhile. The actual crater is huge, all covered in dense native bush. Do bring your camera up here ! The walk back down is much easier ( approx 30 minutes ) Back at the Fale / carpark we finally met the Craterman who welcomed us to "his volcano" and offered us a cup of tea. We paid him the 20 tala fee, worth it in our opinion as the track up to the volcano is exceptionally well maintained, and a memorable experience.
Written 31 October 2014
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.
AmandaKIndia
Wellington, New Zealand225 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
We did this trip about 18 months ago and decided to repeat it to show our guests staying with us. You really do need a 4 wheel drive vehicle. We managed to drive just past De Crater Man's Fale before parking and walking the rest of the way. There has been NO maintenance done on the track and all the signs de crater man erected a number of years ago have not been maintained YET he felt he should charge us his ' New Charge' after me asking what it cost he replied 'The same as you paid last time'. I gave him $20 WST which was $5 per person. He then asked me where we were staying and then declared he had a new charge of $80!! He got quite angry when I resisted this new charge. Given there are NO amenities like toilets available and there is nothing done to enhance ones visit, this was a total rip off. The old Fale he used to use is still full of rubbish like it was 18 months ago. All in all this was a very disappointing visit and one I would not recommend doing. Save your breathe and your money.
Written 6 April 2015
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.
Merri13
Albury, Australia25 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
As others say a 4WD is best. We went in an older model Toyota Kluger SUV and you wouldn't want less clearance. The road is was not dangerous, just quite rough in spots. Take it slow and it is fine. We met Da Craterman an interesting and informative character, paid our fee continued on. Without a local from the village to guide us we would not have found the track to the crater as it was indistinguishable from the general jungle. There was no sign pointing out the car park or the track. The road continued on from where we parked and on our own we would have kept driving missing the track. With our guide we bush bashed to the crater. Not hard going but wear runners. Fantastic views into the crater. A little nerve wracking though when you see daylight through cracks on the ground under your feet! The best bit for me was the views of the north coast at a clearing near the top. Our guide was a waiter at our resort who was local and offered to guide us. He had obviously been many times and knew the place well and was great with information.
Written 30 July 2018
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.
PogodaDobra
Auckland, New Zealand4 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
This trip is 4WD only unless you want a long uphill walk for about 8km (5 miles). The crater man was sick apparently and his shack and 'labour of love' efforts seems to be falling into disrepair. Painted signs are broken and scattered over the floor and I fear the whole access to the crater will become too overgrown and the signage will disappear so that you won't even find the summit after a potentially long walk / bumpy ride. The land is customary owned and it doesn't look like other family want to do it and the government cannot get involved and keep this attraction going. All a bit sad but glad we had the chance to see the crater. All I can say is try and find someone in the village who can help you otherwise don't go. There is a 2/3 way lookout then a little car park in dense forest (before you get to a barbed wire fence blocking road) with a sign 'Matavanu' pointing to a short trail to the crater edge. If that sign disappears then you'll notice a grass clearing and the trail starts at the back of that. The crater rim track looks very overgrown now and was not attempted but there is an informative sign at the top of the trail.
Written 17 April 2017
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.
Eaa1947
Gold Coast, Australia634 contributions
Jun 2016
I have to say we chickened out of getting to this "attraction". Again after trying for quite a bit of time and driving we saw a small sign saying Mt Matavanu. We decided to have a go and soon realised it wasn't going any where. We did not have a 4 wheel drive and may be that is what one needs but that was not made clear at the tourist office or the car rental agency. The road is very narrow and given it is an area of volcanic activity it is very rocky and bumpy. There was no indication how far we had to travel to get to see the Mt Matvanu Crater. I would have loved to see the crater having seen it in Easter Island and Hawaii, however the due to a lack of information and terrible road we had to give up. I was disappointed as I desperately wanted to see it.
Written 26 June 2016
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.
Zbrowelli
Sydney, Australia388 contributions
Jan 2016 • Friends
We rode the 7km up to the start of the Crater Walk and it was pretty challenging for most of our group. We hadn't bought enough food or water so most of us decided not to walk the 6km round trip to the edge of the Crater. 2 in our party did do the walk and said it was fantastic. We all enjoyed the ride up. Scenery was beautiful and we had a good chat to Da Crater Man. We gave him 30Tal for 6 of us but he asked for 40 tala for the 2 that walked to the top. Bargain but just remember to bring the money with you. He does a wonderful job of looking after the area and walk. Make sure you sign his log book.
Written 11 January 2016
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.
rgordeaux
Canterbury, Australia28 contributions
Sept 2015 • Family
This is where the big volcano from 1905 originated, causing widespread devastation seen in the Saleula lava fields and the interesting and unique lava tubes at A'opo. The road up is really fun. Don't stop until you get to the top! It is a nice short walk from the last car park to the crater. On the way back to the coast we passed a group of men making a traditional Samoan canoe, the modern way - with a chainsaw. It's a good experience to drive inland and fun to see the large volcanic boulders increase in size and frequency as you get closer to the base of the mountain.
Written 28 September 2015
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.
Annette A
Wellington, New Zealand48 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
Do not do this trip if you do not have a four wheel drive!
It is a nice but very rough drive up through the plantations until you get to Crater Mans fale and gate. It is then $WST20.00 each person to continue the last 2 kilometers. There is an information board explaining the eruption and crater. There is a parking area at the end of the 2 kilometers and then you need to walk about 10 - 15 minutes up to the crater. Need supportive shoes - rocks, lava, roots etc but not a hard climb. The crater is massive but is now overgrown so the lava is not that obvious. It was pouring with rain when we went but you could take a picnic. Don't get too close to the edge - there is no rescue if you fall and there are signs warning you of this. Next time we would make more time and walk from Crater Mans fale to the crater.
It is a nice but very rough drive up through the plantations until you get to Crater Mans fale and gate. It is then $WST20.00 each person to continue the last 2 kilometers. There is an information board explaining the eruption and crater. There is a parking area at the end of the 2 kilometers and then you need to walk about 10 - 15 minutes up to the crater. Need supportive shoes - rocks, lava, roots etc but not a hard climb. The crater is massive but is now overgrown so the lava is not that obvious. It was pouring with rain when we went but you could take a picnic. Don't get too close to the edge - there is no rescue if you fall and there are signs warning you of this. Next time we would make more time and walk from Crater Mans fale to the crater.
Written 15 November 2014
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.
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