Tarawera Trail to Hawaiki Bay

If you are looking for another beautiful hike through New Zealand native bush add the Tarawera Trail to your list. The whole trail is 15 km one way which takes approximately 5 hours. The trail starts at the Te Wairoa car park on Tarawera Road which is about a 15 minute drive from the beginning of Tarawera Road in Rotorua.

Often people hike the trail one way and get the water taxi back. As I was not feeling confident to walk 15km I walked to Hawaiki Bay and back this time, which was just under 10km and took about 3 hours.

 

Views of the Lake

Starting from the carpark the trail is reasonably flat through small bushes and scrub either side of the trail. Then over a small bridge which crosses a stream. It’s quite open at this point then as the trail starts to climb slightly it heads into the bush. The trail is quite undulating with a number of stairs to navigate. Views of the lake start at about the 2 km mark. The trail can be quite narrow in places and depending on how much rain there has been, can be a little muddy as was the case in late December.

As you continue to walk to Hawaiki Bay you will see various views of the lake along the way, and in the distance you will spot Mt Tarawera.

 

Hawaiki Bay

Not long before you get to the bay, the trail flattens out taking you through some manuka trees. When you get to the bay, there is a toilet and a couple of picnic tables. This is an ideal stopping off point for some food before continuing on or heading back. The bay itself is gorgeous with white sand and views of the lake and Mt Tarawera.

 

If you get concerned if you are on the right track look out for the little triangles attached to trees pointing the way.

 

Hot Water Beach

If you continue on to the end of the trail you can have a soak at Hot Water Beach, Te Rata Bay. Stay the night at the campground (must be booked), either walk back or take the water taxi – this must also be booked.

Tarawera Trail to Hawaiki Bay Stats

• Total Distance: 9.7 km approx
• Total Time: 2 hours 42 minutes
• Max Elevation: 249 m

 

Tarawera Trail Video Overview

 

Final Word

The Tarawera Trail has some stunning scenery. Don’t feel compelled to do the whole hike and not do any of it.

Link to google maps showing where the car park is. Other hikes in the area include Tarawera Falls and Lake Okareka Loop Trail

Happy Hiking