Tarawera Traverse
This 3-day experience takes you deep into the world-renowned Whakarewarewa Forest, circles the iconic Blue and Green Lakes, and culminates in a legendary ascent of Mt Tarawera. Staying in your private retreat just outside town, you’ll trade city noise for birdsong, forest canopy, and the geothermal steam that defines this unique corner of the world.
Tour Highlights
- •The Epic Lakes & Forest Loop: Tackle a massive 27-30km day connecting the sacred Blue and Green Lakes with a deep dive through the towering Douglas Firs of the Whakarewarewa Forest.
- •The Volcano Sprint: Explore the unique landscape of Mt Tarawera and experience the adrenaline of a high-speed scree descent into the heart of the volcanic crater.
- •Private Cottage: Rest up at our own private, rustic cottage as our base for 2 nights complete with its own hot tub to kickstart your recovery.
- •The Geothermal Soak: Trade muscle soreness for bliss at Secret Spot Hot Tubs. There’s nothing quite like a cedar-tub soak and a cold craft beer after a 30km trail mission.
What's Included
- ✓2 Nights Accommodation: Private cottage with plenty of space to relax.
- ✓Guided Trails: Led by experienced Traverse Trails guides.
- ✓Mt Tarawera Experience: Guided Crater Walk/run with Kaitiaki Adventures.
- ✓Recovery: Private cedar hot tub soak at Secret Spot.
- ✓Meals: All meals, trail snacks, and hydration (from Dinner on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 3).
- ✓Support: Support vehicle for logistics and transport to trailheads and airport pick up/drop offs if needed.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Friday: Shakeout & Welcome
Arrive in Rotorua and check into your accommodation before 4:30 PM. We’ll kick things off immediately with a quick change into our running gear for a short 5km shakeout loop to stretch the travel legs. Afterwards, we'll head back for the official tour briefing, meet the crew, and head out for our first group dinner.
Day 2 - Saturday: Run Forest, Run!
Our signature distance day is a spectacular 27-30km journey. We swap technical climbs for the rolling, rhythmic trails that connect the shimmering Blue Lake (Tikitapu) and the sacred Green Lake (Rotokakahi). From there, we push deep into the Whakarewarewa Forest, traversing a seamless blend of lush native bush and towering Douglas Firs. The epic journey ends at the edge of the forest with a well-earned soak and a cold drink at Secret Spot Hot Tubs, the ultimate reward for a massive trail effort.
Day 3 - Sunday: The Volcano & Final Descent
We save the most iconic experience for last: a guided journey to the summit of Mt Tarawera. We’ll stand on the rim of the historic 1886 eruption site before taking part in the legendary "Scree Run" a high-speed, gravity-defying sprint into the heart of the volcanic crater. We’ll wrap up the adventure with a final group lunch, celebrating the miles covered before heading home.