Rainbow Mountain-Summit Track
Tramping track
Time:
1 hr 30 min one way
Distance:
2.5 km
Getting there
Rainbow Mountain lies 26 km south-east of Rotorua, beside SH 5 (the Rotorua-Taupo highway). Approaching from Rotorua the carpark is situated just past the turnoff for SH 38 (the Murupara/ Waikeremoana highway), on the left-hand side of the road.
About the area
Located 26 kilometres south-east of Rotorua, Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve contains a number of plants which are unique to geothermal areas. The popular Crater Lakes Walk is a one-hour return hike.
Description
View to the south over the Waiotapu
thermal area
After taking in the sights of the two craters on the Crater Lake walk, continue north and upwards through regenerating native vegetation and past the bare, coloured and steaming ridges. There are regular opportunities for good views over the surrounding countryside, but to get the complete 360 degrees you need to continue on up to the summit.
Approximately 1hour 30 minutes from the crater lakes, the summit road is reached - watch out for the occasional vehicle as you proceed the remaining 10 minutes to the very top.
View from the summit over to lakes
Tarawera, Rotomahana and Okaro
also Mt Tarawera with snow
From here you can see Mt Tarawera; Lakes Tarawera, Rotomahana and Rerewhakaaitu to the north; the Paeroa Range to the west; the Urewera Ranges and Kaimanawa Forest to the east; and Mt Tauhara, Lake Taupo and the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park to the south.
Plan and prepare
You need to be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on the longer day walks. Ensure you have strong, comfortable boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. It is also advisable to leave your tramping intentions with a responsible person.
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required