New Zealand Rotorua Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve Crater Lake Walk (4K)
Video clip from my walk at the end of the Crater Lake Walk at Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve early in the morning. It is near Rotorua in New Zealand.
Shot with Samsung S9+
Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve, Rotorua
Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve is a geothermal landscape containing rare plant species and a striking coloured terrain. Heading to, or from Taupo, the reserve is 26 kilometres to the south-east of Rotorua and just off State Highway 5.
Visit our My Guide New Zealand websites:
Rainbow Mountain | Rotorua, NZ
Walk or bike to the summit of Rainbow Mountain amidst regenerating native bush, ochre coloured cliffs and a jewel of a crater lake.
Rainbow Mountain Summit Track :: Long White Gypsy
Known as Maungakakaramea to its native Māori peoples, Rainbow Mountain means literally 'mountain of coloured earth'. Volcanic in nature, the dacite cone of Rainbow Mountain forms part of the Okataina Group and dates from the late Pleistocene age (~11,700 years).
Up until recently, the mountain was very active, making it nearly impossible for vegetation to grow on its slopes. But recent cooling is now allowing different species to make their mark on the mountain. Some species have even adapted specifically to cater for the higher concentration of poisonous volcanic gases in the air.
A short walk of less than 10 minutes will bring you to the Crater Lake viewpoint, where you can gaze out over the towering red cliffs of the crater, and look at the pale aqua colour of the geothermal lakes below.
For the longer summit hike, head off on the Te Tihi o Ruru (Owl's Perch) track for another 3.5km. The first couple of kilometres is characterised by a relatively easy grade track which is far easier to ascend than its counterpart, Mt Tauhara, in the Taupō region. It's only as you near the summit that the grade becomes much steeper and harder to climb. Take the opportunity to take lots of stops in the lush native forest. More than once you'll have views of the steaming craters which mark the slopes of the mountain.
As you near the summit, you'll emerge onto a short 4WD track, which you can follow to the very top, or else take the short side-trail for bikes and foot traffic to cut the corner.
The views from the summit are nothing short of spectacular. You'll be treated to 360 degree views of the central plateau, as well as the geology out towards the Bay of Plenty. To the south, get a birds eye perspective of the plateaus of the central north island. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the mountains of the Tongariro National Park to the south, and a substantial chunk of the Uruwera and Kaimanawa Ranges to the east. On the northern side of the mountain, gaze out over Mt Tarawera and the lake on which it sits, and marvel at the geological landscape which has buckled and bent over the years to form a network of sharply undulating hills.
The hike should take a fit person slightly less than the suggested 1hr15min to complete. Even vlogging, I reached the summit in just under this time. Bear in mind that this is a shared use track, and especially on weekends you can expect to encounter multiple mountain bikers and other track users along the way.
The entrance to the track is on the left hand side of the road approximately 26km south east of Rotorua off State Highway 5 near the turnoff to State Highway 38 (the Waikaremoana highway).
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Lake Tarawera Trail/Rainbow Mountain Walk/New Zealand North Island/Campervan Trip/ part 7
Walking the full day Tarawera Trail, near Rotorua in the North Island, rewarded at the end by a thermal hot water beach, perfect for a dip to sooth those fee! Plenty of bubbling hot mud en-route to our next walk at Rainbow Mountain with great views from the summit. Highlights from our New Zealand campervan road trip across the North Island in a Travellers Autobarn campervan which we hired from Auckland. Starting our trip in March 2018, join us as we take a 5 week journey to the wonderful regions of New Zealand with all the freedom that a campervan has.
Blue Lake Rotorua Walking Track
Walking around the Blue Lake. Some of the clips are missing because the SD card in my camera had errors on it. Ordered a new card today.
rainbow mountain mish
walk up rainbow mountain rotorua
New Zealand, The Adventure
The best two weeks...ever.
Locations in the order of their appearance:
Cabbage Tree Cafe (Tirau)
State Highway 1 (Auckland)
Whakarewarewa Forest (Rotorua)
Quadzone (Rotorua)
Kaituna River (Rotorua)
Lost World (Waitomo Glowworm Caves)
Tongariro River (Taupo)
Lake Okareka (Rotorua)
Crater Lake at Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve (Rotorua)
Hobbiton movie set (Matamata)
Ben Lomond Summit (Queenstown)
Luge (Queenstown)
Ledge Bungy (Queenstown)
Routeburn Track (Queenstown/Glenorchy)
Canyoning Routeburn (Queenstown/Glenorchy)
Remarkables Single Cone (Queenstown)
Kawarau Bridge Bungy (Queenstown)
Agrodome (Rotorua)
Music:
Life in Technicolor II by Coldplay
Mount Tarwera's crater, Rotorua, New Zealand, and Wendy!
Wendy descending into crater of Mount Tarawera's dormant volcanoe.
Rotorua Travel Guide - New Zealand Memorable Moments
Rotorua Travel Guide - New Zealand Memorable Moments
Rotorua is known as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. Its hot springs and geysers have attracted tourists for over a hundred years. Rotorua sits on the shores of Lake Rotorua of New Zealand. There are several other lakes nearby. Along with the geothermal wonders, there are also the more usual water activities such as fishing, boating and white water rafting. Tourism is a major industry in Rotorua, and for good reason, the tourism services are therefore well developed and visitors should definitely make a stop at the Tourist Information Centre on the main road, Fenton Street.
Rotorua is built over a geothermal hot spot. There are numerous natural vents, hot pools and other geothermal features in and around the city. Many of these are in parks and reserves. Natural eruptions of steam, hot water and mud occasionally occur in new locations. Many places have their own private geothermal bores for heating and water for bathing although private use of naturally occurring geothermal water and steam is controlled. It has recently been refurbished. Wai-O-Tapu is also an entertaining day out.
Geologically, Rotorua is in the middle of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is named after Lake Taupo, the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas, which now contain lakes, and several more recognisable volcanoes in the surrounding area. It is this geologically active zone that produces the heat that is needed to drive all the geothermal activity.
Rotorua is about a 3-hour drive south from Auckland, with several nice towns and villages along the way. There are two main routes, via Hamilton initially travelling on State Highway 1 and then joining State Highway 5 at Tirau, or via Matamata on Route 27. The Matamata route is less busy and probably a more interesting bet for travellers, but sections of the road boast the highest accident rates in NZ, so caution is needed. Matamata is where Hobbiton was built for the Lord of the Rings. The set is now a tourist attraction.
Rotorua is one of the most common places to try the traditional maori feast, the Hangi. This earthen oven technique is similar to the Hawaiian Imu and results in a very distinctive smoky earthy flavour - well worth trying. There are numerous places to try a Hangi around Rotorua. There are many hotels, rental homes, backpackers, motor homes, camp grounds, motels and bed and breakfasts.
Heading south from Rotorua takes you to Taupo, a similar town on the side of New Zealand's largest lake. Northwest takes you to Te Puke, Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty coastline, a nice place to soak up the sun. There are two routes; via Te Puke and SH30 brings you into Tauranga via Mount Maunganui.Whakatane is another coastal town in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, with empty beaches and one of the best climates in terms of hours of sunshine. North leads to Hamilton, Waitomo or Raglan and south east into the sparsely populated, and ruggedly beautiful Urewera National Park and East Cape.
A lot to see in Rotorua such as :
Te Puia
Polynesian Spa
Agrodome
Lake Rotorua
Mount Tarawera
Lady Knox Geyser
Hells Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Bath Spa
Government Gardens
Kuirau Park
Lake Tarawera
Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
Mitai Maori Village
Rotorua Museum Government Garden Tours
Skyline Rotorua
Rainbow Springs Nature Park
Buried Village of Te Wairoa
Tamaki Maori Village
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Waimangu Geyser
Lake Rotoiti
Hamurana Springs Nature Reserve
Velocity Valley Adventure Park
Rainbow Springs
Redwoods Treewalk
Lake Rotomahana
ZORB™ Rotorua
Frying Pan Lake
Rotorua Canopy Tours
Kerosene Creek
Mokoia Island
OGO Rotorua
Paradise Valley Springs
Lake Okareka
Skyline Luge Rotorua
Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)
Lake Tikitapu
Tarawera Road
Lake Okataina
Rotorua Duck Tours
Lake Rotokakahi
Geothermal Valley Te Puia
Inferno Crater Lake
Tamaki Maori Village
Lake Rotoma
Paradise Valley Road
Gondola
Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve
Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve
( Rotorua - New Zealand ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting Rotorua . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Rotorua - New Zealand
Join us for more :
Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua, New Zealand
Waimangu Volcanic Valley in Rotorua, New Zealand, is the youngest geothermal system in the world and it is the only geothermal system in the world wholly created within written history. Walk or hike at your own pace through amazing craters and geothermal features. See volcanic activity, native plants and bird-life in the newest geothermal system in the world. Click here to view an interactive map of the valley and its walks and boat cruise
Or call our friendly team on telephone +64 7 366 6137.
Try the advanced Mt Haszard hike high above the Valley floor. This hike does require good fitness but is well worth the effort. You'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Valley and surrounding region, including Rainbow Mountain, Mt Tarawera and Lake Rotomahana. You'll see towering lava cliffs plunging 56 metres deep into Fairy Crater, and the massive lava outcrops and steaming pink and red soil of the Raupo Pond and Black Craters.
Waimangu also offers a range of easy ecology-focused walks through the craters of the beautiful Waimangu Volcanic Valley, following a predominantly downhill path. Walk beside a hot water stream and see the new silica terraces forming in the Valley: the cream and gold Marble Terraces and the Warbrick Terrace, its delicate ripple terraces and the way in which it is forming so reminiscent of the world renowned Pink & White Terraces destroyed and drowned during the 1886 Tarawera volcanic eruption.
You can then take one of our courtesy shuttle buses back up the valley to the Waimangu Entrance, or follow your walk with a cruise on Lake Rotomahana (accessible only through Waimangu) to see a separate geothermal system of steaming cliffs, hot springs, geysers and fumaroles as well as the site of the destroyed famous Pink & White Terraces.
Enjoy a relaxing 45 minutes cruise, with full commentary from your skipper as he shows you sights that can only be viewed from the boat cruise. Take a moment to think how this beautiful body of water was formed, born out of the devastation of the mighty 1886 Tarawera Eruption. Fifteen years after the eruption Rotomahana had reached its current height and can now lay claim to the title of deepest lake in the North Island and newest of all New Zealand's larger, naturally formed lakes.
The unspoilt, tranquil beauty of the lake and its surroundings are protected from development, and the area is now a wildlife refuge which large numbers of birds make their home all year round.
For the Walking Tour and Boat Cruise allow approximately 3 hours and make sure you dress for the weather including good walking shoes. At the end of your walk enjoy food and refreshments in our Café Nature@Waimangu, or browse our gift shop stocked with New Zealand made gifts and souvenirs.
Walk around Mt Tarawera
Drews class got to walk around a dormant volcano
What to do in Taupo - Climb Mount Tauhara for stunning views and great birdlife
Mount Tauhara provides stunning views of Lake Taupo, and the mountains Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, as well as the Waikato and even to White Island off the coast. It is only minutes from most accommodation in Taupo and is a great activity that takes half a day or less. Listen to the amazing native birdlife and enjoy the unique forest. For more information on local Taupo tourist activities, events and ideas on what to do in Taupo visit -
Waimangu Volcanic Valley New Zealand
Spectacular Geothermal activity in the Worlds’ youngest geothermal system within 22 volcanic craters created on 10 June 1886.
Waimangu and Rotomahana are “must do” eco-experiences for those who wish to experience NZ’s unique ecology, botany and geothermal features.
Unique Waimangu - See Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World. Mysterious and beautiful, Inferno Crater Lake which rises and falls as it heats and cools. Delicate Sinter Terraces grow from the deposits of the hot spring water. Rare and unusual plants have adapted to grow on the hot earths of Waimangu, amongst the regenerating native forests.
Unspoilt Lake Rotomahana has a separate geothermal system, featuring hot springs, steaming vents and geysers, which can be seen only from our boat. This is a protected wild life refuge and a bird lovers paradise. Rotomahana covers 15 volcanic craters formed in 1886.
Eco focused self guided walks and hikes to suit all ages and ability. Boat cruise with commentary on Lake Rotomahana, the largest crater. Allow 3 hours for walk + boat and 2 hours for walk only.
For more information Call Our Friendly Team on +64 7 3666 137
or Visit our Website
The Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest
Located in Rotorua, The Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is one of the country's most beautiful and spectacular natural assets.
Escape to the amazing forest famous for its magnificent towering Californian coastal redwoods, is just a five minute drive from the city centre.
Take in the superb panoramic views of Rotorua city and lake whilst experiencing one of the finest walking and mountain bike trails in the world.
With free entry into the forest it would be an absolute crime not to go and miss out on experiencing this majestic example of kiwi terrain at its most beautiful.
redwoods.co.nz
Helicopter tour of Mt. Tarawera, Rotorua, NZ
Entire trip from Te Puia, Rotorua, NZ to Mt. Tarawera, NZ. This is an inactive volcano. Very cold/windy on top!
More info here:
Lakeland Queen Rotorua Lake Cruise
Rotoruas Lakeland Queen cruises, unique dining, spectacular vistas.
Tongariro Crossing
Video of the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand, also the Mordor movie set in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
- Created at TripWow by TravelPod Attractions (a TripAdvisor™ company)
Waimangu Volcanic Valley Rotorua
Read more at:
Travel blogs from Waimangu Volcanic Valley:
- ... After a quick lunch of meat pie and a sandwich we then drove back towards Rotorua stopping at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley park ...
- ... We spent our first full day here at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley ...
- ... approach to Rotorua I passed Wai-O-Tapu which is a large thermal area (and popular tourist attraction), the Waimangu volcanic valley (also tourist attraction) and Rainbow Mountain which gets it's name from the multicoloured crater beside the road caused ...
- ... After a short drive around the area ( we got lost) we decided to go to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley to see some more geothermal activity ...
Read these blogs and more at:
Photos from:
- Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
Photos in this video:
- Lake at end of Waimangu Volcanic Valley 3 by Eos from a blog titled Rotorua
- View over Waimangu Volcanic Valley 10 by Eos from a blog titled Rotorua
- Geyser at Waimangu Volcanic Valley 1 by Jdr00 from a blog titled Rotorua
- View over Waimangu Volcanic Valley 6 by Eos from a blog titled Rotorua
- View over Waimangu Volcanic Valley 7 by Eos from a blog titled Rotorua
- View over Waimangu Volcanic Valley 8 by Eos from a blog titled Rotorua
- View over Waimangu Volcanic Valley 9 by Eos from a blog titled Rotorua
- View over Waimangu Volcanic Valley 5 by Eos from a blog titled Rotorua
- View over Waimangu Volcanic Valley 4 by Eos from a blog titled Rotorua
- Lake in Waimangu Volcanic Valley 2 by Eos from a blog titled Rotorua
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Lagoon 2 by Eos from a blog titled Rotorua
- Lake in Waimangu Volcanic Valley by Eos from a blog titled Rotorua
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley 2 by Eos from a blog titled Rotorua
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley by Cjhare from a blog titled Rotorua