Totally Tarawera
Totally Tarawera
5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
YOUR CULTURE & NATURE CONNECTION Discover the natural, cultural and historical wonders of Lake Tarawera with our range of guided and unguided experiences. Take a water taxi to stunning Hot Water Beach, hike the famous Tarawera Trail, take a journey of cultural discovery with our exclusive Ancestral Footprints Tour or spend a few nights at one of our luxury glamping site. Lake Tarawera is home to some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes. Mount Tarawera itself stands sentinel over a landscape of native New Zealand bush, natural hot springs, waterfalls and an abundance of birdlife. Let us help you to discover this natural wonderland by boat or on foot.
Lake Tarawera, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
603 reviews
Excellent
547
Very good
51
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Katherine L
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Family
Our trip to the 'secret' hot pool in the bush via Lake Tarawera was absolutely incredible, and I can't recommend Totally Tarawera more highly.
Wayne, our water taxi driver, was outstanding - great knowledge of the area, very friendly and super with my three daughters aged eight and nine. They even got to drive the boat which made their eyes pop out on stalks! My parents (in their early 70s) were also with us and loved the experience just as much as us. After soaking in the natural hot pool, eating our picnic lunch and taking a few short bush walks in the area, Wayne picked us up again.
This trip was the highlight of our stay in Rotorua - it felt adventurous but with very little risk, something completely unique, and excellent value for money.
Thank you very much Wayne and Totally Tarawera. We'll be back!
Wayne, our water taxi driver, was outstanding - great knowledge of the area, very friendly and super with my three daughters aged eight and nine. They even got to drive the boat which made their eyes pop out on stalks! My parents (in their early 70s) were also with us and loved the experience just as much as us. After soaking in the natural hot pool, eating our picnic lunch and taking a few short bush walks in the area, Wayne picked us up again.
This trip was the highlight of our stay in Rotorua - it felt adventurous but with very little risk, something completely unique, and excellent value for money.
Thank you very much Wayne and Totally Tarawera. We'll be back!
Written 13 August 2020
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.
Thank you for doing this review for us.
What can I say!
I am delighted you enjoyed your experience with us and that the family had such a great time.
Many people think that Rotorua and its experiences are all happening in town, but as you would agree there are some amazing and beautiful experiences to be had in the surrounding areas. Especially Lake Tarawera of course.
As this is our tribal land we see that it is our commitment to care for and manaaki our visitors when they are with us and I am pleased we did that.
Thanks again. I will pass your thanks on to Wayne.
Regards,
Captain Dave
Written 13 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alex R
122 contributions
Jan 2020
If you're thinking about getting on the water and exploring Tarawera, perhaps to visit hot water beach or maybe do the Tarawera trail, go a head and book it with Totally Tarawera. Lake Tarawera is just amazing. The trail is a wonderful walk and hot water beach is a lovely trip. There is also The Tarawera Falls walk (across the far side of the lake) which is like walking through 'Middle Earth', and the falls will take your breath away at the end. After our trip, I can say you just need to decide what to do - the team at Totally Tarawera will help make it all happen.
Our experience...
When I booked, I had family visiting from Mexico and I really wanted to take them all, with our baby, to Hot Water beach. But I also wanted my Brother-in-law and I to camp the night (after my partner, Mexico family and baby returned home), and the following day, do a little hike over the hill and get picked up from other hot pools, about 1.5 hours walk along the trail. I called to enquire to see if it was possible, and Karen made it all so easy, booked it in effortlessly and sent me a confirmation itinerary.
We had an amazing trip, with memories of extra adventures, which we will carry forever. Everyone involved in getting us there and back, were superb. Great value, great service and care. Huge thanks, can not wait to return.
Our experience...
When I booked, I had family visiting from Mexico and I really wanted to take them all, with our baby, to Hot Water beach. But I also wanted my Brother-in-law and I to camp the night (after my partner, Mexico family and baby returned home), and the following day, do a little hike over the hill and get picked up from other hot pools, about 1.5 hours walk along the trail. I called to enquire to see if it was possible, and Karen made it all so easy, booked it in effortlessly and sent me a confirmation itinerary.
We had an amazing trip, with memories of extra adventures, which we will carry forever. Everyone involved in getting us there and back, were superb. Great value, great service and care. Huge thanks, can not wait to return.
Written 20 January 2020
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.
Thanks for your extensive review it is much appreciated.
Sounds like you guys had a great experience at Tarawera and even your walk to the hot pool.
Great description.
Look forward to seeing you back in the future.
Regards,
Captain Dave.
Written 21 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
acreativenz
Auckland, New Zealand1 contribution
Mar 2020
Just completed the walking the Tarawera trail - challenging in places but totally wouldn't have missed it for the world. And to top it off the water taxi met us at Hot Water beach on time and delivered us back to the main landing with many laughs shared with the skipper. Great experience all round and highly recommend them to anyone thinking of doing the Tarawera experience.
Written 19 March 2020
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.
Thanks for your review,
It can be challenging in parts but that is what helps to make your day out memorable.
Pleased you enjoyed our water taxi service and overall had a great day.
Regards,
Captain Dave
Written 5 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clarke R
1 contribution
Jan 2020
If you are looking for peaceful, isolated bliss I can't recommend this enough - at times we genuinely felt like the only people on earth. Lake Tarawera and it's surrounds are breathtaking and a stay at Kanuka puts you right in the heart of it. Despite being wonderfully remote, the site is very well appointed, striking that perfect balance between rough and luxurious that glamping should provide. The fact that the only way to get there is by boat or a 2 hour walk on the beautiful Tarawera Trail is just the icing on the cake. Overall, an absolutely magical experience.
Written 3 February 2020
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 your wonderful review of Kanuka.
We think Tarawera and our glamping sites are pretty special so it is an honour to share it with you.
It does take a little more effort taking people by boat, but it makes it all worth while when we see the joy the whole experience gives.
Thanks again for taking the time to do this review.
Regards,
Captain Dave
Written 4 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nicci809
1 contribution
Jul 2020
We had the most incredible walk - wonderful track, well maintained through incredible bush with unexpected views over the lake at times. Most special of all was meeting the family who obviously care deeply for this land. Tracy was my first point of contact and couldn't have been more helpful during the booking process and then gave us a marvellous welcome on arrival. This is a Rotorua and surrounding lakes activity we would highly recommend.
Written 3 July 2020
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, John and Nicci,
It was wonderful meeting you both here at our home here at Lake Tarawera. I know you both cannot get back to your home in Zimbabwe but hopefully it will be soon.
Thank you for your wonderful words we appreciate it. It has been a difficult time for us all especially in the tourism industry but we are confident in the future. Our ancestors started tourism in New Zealand 150yrs ago and lost their homes, families and incomes in a 6hr volcanic eruption so we have nothing but a small challenge.
We look forward to one day meeting again, maybe at your glamping site back home.
warmest regards,
Captain Dave
Written 5 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jaimee R
Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
Oct 2020
My party of 7 had an awesome time out with Wayne. He took us to a few different spots, enriched us with history about the Tarawera eruption and the Tuhourangi people, we cooked prawns and boiled eggs at Hot Water Beach and had a soak at one of the hotpools in the bush. I was the only person who had visited before as a kid and was blown away by the majestic Lake Tarawera and it's beautiful surroundings. Everyone else thoroughly enjoyed their day out on the Lake - some saying it was the highlight of their action packed 8 day trip. Excellent value for money as well. Will definitely be back 1 day. Nga mihi nui Wayne
Written 1 November 2020
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 your glowing review.
It is our privilege to be able to share our special place and our tribal homeland with our guests.
Of course it is also our obligation to be good hosts and to give you the best experience we are able.
For some of your group to say it was the highlight of their 8 day experience we are honoured.
Many thanks,
Captain Dave
Written 11 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jared L
1 contribution
Sept 2020
Best experience with my trip back from hot water beach. Decided last minute the night before I wouldn't walk out of the Tarawera trail and called them from the bush. The lady on the phone was super easy-going and offered to let me think about it while she texted me through the details. The boat driver was punctual, friendly, informative about the place and then blew me away - as I was the only one on the boat (#InthetimesofCorona) - by informing me he'd also drive me the last few k's to my car and spared me the road walk! 150% recommend these guys and will be visiting again :)
Cheers
Jared
Cheers
Jared
Written 4 October 2020
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.
Hi Jared,
Thanks for taking the time to do this review for us.
Pleased you had a good time walking the Tarawera Trail and that we contributed to making it a great experience.
We look forward to having you back in the future.
Captain Dave
Written 8 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
peterjT8179SL
Gennep, The Netherlands5 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
While in Rotorua my wife and I wanted to hike the Tarawera Trail. We opted to take the water taxi out to Hot water Beach and hike back. When contacting Totally Tarawera to book the water taxi I got excellent advice on when to go and what to do. They actually pick you up from the Tarawera trail parking lot, drive you to the boat landing and ferry you over to the starting point of the trail. All you have to do yourself is walk back to the parking lot. And what a treat that was ! Beautiful pristine forests full of Kanuka trees and tree ferns tucked away in steep valleys. Lake views from hilltops and from lovely little bays, towards dominating mount Tarawera and mount Edgecumbe further away. Gorgeous trail path. Hot water soaks for tired feet. We even encountered 2 wallabies. It reminded us a bit of Abel Tasman trails, but then with hot water and wallabies thrown in as extras. We spent in total 6.5 hours on the trail, including packed lunch and a soak. Would strongly recommend this to anyone who wants to spend a day out in the bush by himself.
Written 29 September 2020
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.
Awesome!
What can I say. You have done a beautiful job in describing the Tarawera Trail and our part in your whole day adventure.
You have done a great job in describing the whole round trip from end to end and the experience of walking the trail and what to encounter on the way.
Thanks for you recommendation.
Regards,
Captain Dave
Written 1 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gatervecis
Ogre, Latvia1 contribution
Mar 2020
We managed to walk the trail 30min faster than expected - well marked and prepared trail with perfect ending - diping in a mixture of cold and hot water at the beach. Dont be late, as the taxi doesnt wait, if you are a big group or slow walkers, plan extra time for walking. At the beach 1.5 hours is enough to rest and to enjoy bathing
Written 3 March 2020
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.
Thanks for taking the time to do a review for us.
It is always difficult to give an exact time for a walk. DOC usually allow lots of extra time on their signs but the Tarawera Trails ones are pretty close to time. Also individuals tend to walk a lot faster than groups so we generally give a range.
You are right about being on time for the taxi. We do have other trips we have to do as well so need to keep to a schedule. Even though there are times we may be a little late due to weather conditions.
For all that I am pleased you enjoyed the experience.
Regards,
Captain Dave
Written 5 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aurora
4 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
We did the glamping experience. We found this company inhospitable, unorganised and rude. They changed plans last minute and then were uncontactable. They gave us a time to check in on us at our camp site only to arrive 3 hrs later and argued that they never gave times and thought it was ok to just show up whenever they liked, I asked him to leave twice before I lost my temper. I found this rude and obtrusive. The canopy camping was advertised as quiet and private and we found it was neither. There was 20-50 people camped out on the beach right outside the camp spot all day and someone wandered into the bush to check out the site. Since there was no where to securely leave valuable belongings we didn’t feel comfortable leaving during the day to go and do things. They made no effort to make any of this right and the half hearted apology came with justifications, intrusion into our space, argument and criticism about myself showing just how unorganised and inhospitable they were. Extremely overpriced for the service they provide.
Written 25 January 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.
Greetings,
You seemed to come with a lot of issues and I don't believe anything we could do would have satisfied you.
As you can see by the many reviews we have had that that has not been other peoples experience.
I wish you all the best with the rest of your life.
David
Written 31 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hey, how do you get from rotatura information point(where all the buses go) to this totally tarawera? Or Is there a coach that can take you?
Paige x
Written 14 July 2017
Can we hike this in a round day hike with out taking the boat back
Written 4 March 2017
Hi KiwiCanadian305,
As others have said, by rights you can but it depends on your level of fitness. We have had some that have completed both ways within 7 hours and we have had others that thought they could walk back out only to realise it was a bit much and they have rung us from Hot Water Beach asking for a water taxi ride back. There is always the option of staying at the camp overnight and walking back out the next day. However this does require a camp booking.
You can actually start the walk from The Landing itself and avoid the car park all together. This will make the walk slightly shorter, 12km one way as opposed to 15km.
If we can be of any assistance please feel free to contact us.
Written 6 March 2017
Captain Dave,
We are staying in Rotorua and plan to hike out to the hot water beach and then have you bring us back at 3:00 in your boat. What is the best way to get from Rotorua to the trail had and from your boat dock back to Rotorua?
Thank you, Larry
Written 17 March 2015
Hello Larry,
If you are based in Rotorua without any transport out to Lake Tarawera, you can hire a shuttle service from Rotorua to Tarawera from Grumpys Shuttle Service. I believe they charge about $90.00 return.
If you have your own source of travel, may I suggest that you park your vehicle at The Landing and join the main Tarawera Trail from a small trail to the far right of The Landing. That way once you come back from Hot Water Beach you can then hop in your car.
Finally depending on what day, our receptionist who travels from Rotorua to Tarawera to work here has been known to pick up passengers from Rotorua on her way to work and return them to Rotorua at the end of the day. She can be contacted via our website.
There are a few options for you to consider.
Kind regards,
Captain Dave
Written 18 March 2015
Good afternoon
we were thinking of staying at Hot Water Beach Doc Camping Ground. I read that you drop off at the Camping Ground. Do you pick up also or do we have to drive to The Landing?
regards
Robyne and Denis Fitzsimons
Written 3 January 2015
Good morning Robyne and Denis,
We run a regular service to Hot Water Beach DOC Camping Ground each day, the times are 9:00am, 12:00pm and 3:00pm. We will also bring you back from Hot Water Beach to The Landing, 9:30am, 12:30am and 3:00pm.
You would have to drive yourself or catch a shuttle service to The Landing to use our services. We charge $50.00 per adult, $30.00 per child (5-12 years old) return. We also will charge $10.00 per large backpack return.
Regards,
Captain Dave.
Written 3 January 2015
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