CAN I GO VISIT THE PINK AND WHITE TERRACES?
No! Unfortunately, they were destroyed in the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886
In recent times researchers have been exploring the possibility that parts of the Pink Terrace may have survived but would be deep under Lake Rotomahana.
CAN I DRIVE TO HOT WATER BEACH?
No! There is only access by boat including our Water Taxi or by walking the Tarawera Trail.
IS YOUR HOT WATER BEACH THE SAME AS THE ONE IN THE COROMANDEL?
No, it’s quite different. Both are geothermal, but with our one you don’t have to wait until low tide to dig a hole in the beach for a soak. Ours is there all the time. There is also a Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite located there.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WALK TO HOT WATER BEACH ON THE TARAWERA TRAIL?
The DOC site says 5-6hrs. The average walker generally takes around about 4.5hrs.
It does depend on your fitness level and if you are walking with a group.
WHAT WALKING GRADE IS THE TARAWERA TRAIL?
We recommend a moderate fitness level, so you can really enjoy your walk.
IF I WALK THE TARAWERA TRAIL TO HOT WATER BEACH CAN I CATCH A WATER TAXI BACK?
Yes, you can. It is important though to pre-book your ride to ensure there is a seat available.
CAN I WALK THE TARAWERA TRAIL AND GET THE WATER TAXI TO BRING OVER MY CAMPING GEAR?
No problem. When you book online you will be asked how much gear you will be bringing over.
WHERE DO I START THE TARAWERA TRAIL IF WALKING TO HOT WATER BEACH?
The carpark is 400m on the right before you get to the Buried Village.
HOW CAN I GET TO THE TARAWERA FALLS?
There are two options. Drive 1.5hrs from Rotorua via Kawerau township, where you will need to get a permit to drive on the forest road to the Falls. Alternatively, the water taxi will drop you off and pick you up after your walk.
CAN I DO A PRIVATE OUTING ON YOUR BOAT?
Yes, we do private charters. Our 60-person capacity boat is perfect for everything from family gatherings to corporate groups. We can also include a stopover at Hot Water Beach for a BBQ and swim.
WHERE DO I START THE TARAWERA TRAIL IF WALKING TO HOT WATER BEACH?
The Tarawera Trail Carpark is 400m, on your right, past Rotokakahi-The Green Lake. If you get to Te Wairoa -The Buried Village you have gone too far so please turn around. The Tarawera Trail Car Park is very well signposted. Tarawera Trail Car Park location.
CAN I WALK THE TARAWERA TRAIL AND GET THE WATER TAXI TO BRING OVER MY CAMPING GEAR?
No problem. When you book a Hot Water Beach Camp “Drop off” or Hot Water Beach Camp Pick Up through our Booking System you will be asked how much gear you will be bringing over. An unaccompanied fee of $15, for up to 3 items. If you have more than 3 items the charge is $5 per item extra. Camp gear will be dropped off at Hot Water Beach Camp under the Notice Board lean-to during one of the 3 trips we make to Hot Water Beach per day. Totally Tarawera is not responsible for gear after drop-off.
HOW CAN I GET TO THE TARAWERA FALLS?
There are two options: Drive 1.5hrs from Rotorua via Kawerau township, where you will need to get a permit to drive on the forest road to the Falls. OR The water taxi will drop you off at 9 am and pick you up at 1:30pm, after your walk.
CAN I DO A PRIVATE OUTING ON YOUR BOAT?
Yes, we do private charters. Our 60-person capacity boat is perfect for everything from family gatherings to corporate groups, however, we recommend that you allow for no more than 35 passengers so there is plenty of room to move around on the boat for your guests. We can also include a stopover at Hot Water Beach for a BBQ and swim.