Nestled amidst rolling hills and geothermal wonders lies Rotorua, a place steeped in Maori culture and natural beauty. From bubbling mud pools to towering redwood forests, Rotorua offers something for everyone and is a must-visit.
Having visited Rotorua many times, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing much of what the city has to offer. However, it wasn’t until recently that I climbed up Rainbow Mountain. Rainbow Mountain is awe-inspiring. The track up to the top winds through native bush, past a volcanic Blue Lake, and alongside steaming red cliffs before you reach the summit. There, you’ll find 360-degree views over the countryside and out towards volcanoes in the distance.
How to get to Rainbow Mountain
From the centre of Rotorua, head south on State Highway 5 (SH5) towards Taupo. After approximately 26 kilometres (16 miles), you’ll reach the turnoff for Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve. Look out for signposts indicating the entrance to the reserve. From there, follow the well-marked road to the car park at the base of Rainbow Mountain.
There are toilets at the start of the track, but it’s a worse-for-wear long drop, so I recommend bringing your own tissues or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
Once you’ve parked, the path to the summit is easy to follow.
Hiking up Rainbow Mountain
Start with the easy Crater Lake Walk which takes you to two lakes. Currently (May 2024), part of the Crater Lake Walk is closed, so check in with the DOCs website before you head out.
However, if you follow the summit track for about 15 minutes, you’ll see a hidden track off to the lefthand side of the path, giving you a great view of the blue crater lake below. This has got to be one of the best viewpoints I’ve been to in Rotorua: multicoloured rock layers of mountain border the lake, making you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
Once you’ve passed the viewpoint, rejoin the Te Tihi o Ruru Summit Track through native bush. After about an hour you’ll emerge from the forest and meet a gravel road. Take extra care looking for cars! From here, it’s just 10 minutes to the summit.
At the top, the views are breathtaking. There are miles and miles of rolling hills, lakes and forests, broken up by an endless winding road. The 360-degree views mean that you can see Mt Tarawera; Lakes Tarawera, Rotomahana and Rerewhakaaitu to the north; Paeroa Range to the west; the Te Urewera Ranges and Kaimanawa Forest to the east; and Mt Tauhara, Lake Taupo and the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park to the south. We visited on a clear day and could see a snow-covered Mount Ngarohe in the distance!
Despite what I’d heard, I found the hike easy, with a gradual climb. DOC says that reaching the summit by foot from the crater lakes takes about 1.5 hours, but it was more like 45 minutes to an hour.
Tips for staying safe and protecting the environment
While exploring Rainbow Mountain, it’s important to prioritise safety and environmental stewardship. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy footwear suitable for hiking on uneven terrain. Carry plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energised throughout your journey. Additionally, stay on designated trails and follow any signage or guidelines provided to minimise your impact on the delicate ecosystem. Remember to pack out any trash and leave no trace of your visit.
Notes to Home 