From the carpark, follow the signs. There are great views over two crater lakes that are set against a backdrop of bare brown, orange and red steaming cliffs and an array of geothermal vegetation.

Fitter and more experienced trampers can continue on the Summit Track to the mountain summit. Add another 3 hours up to the summit and back from the crater lakes.

Maunga Kākaramea (previously known as Rainbow Mountain) lies 26 km south-east of Rotorua, beside SH 5 (the Rotorua-Taupo highway). Approaching from Rotorua, the carpark for the walking track is situated just past the turnoff for SH 38 (the Murupara/ Waikaremoana highway), on the left-hand side of the road.