Image: Lukas Marek | Creative Commons
SH5 as seen from the summit of Maunga Kākaramea..
Maunga Kākaramea, Waiotapu and Te Kopia Scenic Reserves

Located in the Bay of Plenty region

Walk or mountain bike past geothermal features, or up to 360 degrees views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

These scenic reserves are accessed from SH 5 south of Rotorua.

Parking, picnic facilities and toilets are provided at the base of Maunga Kākaramea, just past the turning for SH 38.

Maunga Kākaramea

Maunga Kākaramea is significant in botanical and scientific terms, containing a complex mixture of plant species, some of which are rare and unique to geothermal areas.

From its volcanic origins, Maunga Kākaramea (meaning ‘mountain of coloured earth') has cooled over recent years. Though places are still smouldering, the native vegetation is regenerating.