Last updated October 2026
The Northern Tarawera Track runs from the Tarawera Outlet swing bridge to Humphries Bay on Lake Tarawera, through a landscape that was heavily altered by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption and is slowly regenerating with native plants. DOC grades it as an Advanced tramping track and allows about 3 hours one way for its 6 km.
DOC says you reach it by boat or on foot along connecting DOC tracks, and there is no vehicle access to the Outlet campsite. When we checked on 18 October 2026, the Eastern Ōkataina Walkway, which links Humphries Bay to Lake Ōkataina, was closed, so check DOC before planning a trip. The track is about 19 km from Rotorua.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Northern Tarawera Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Tarawera Outlet swing bridge (Te Tapahoro / The Outlet), or Humphries Bay
- Distance from the city
- about 19 km from Rotorua
- Walking time
- 3 hr one way
- Track length
- About 6 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Access
- By boat, or on foot via the Tarawera Falls to Tarawera Outlet Track
- Campsites
- Lake Tarawera Outlet and Humphries Bay (DOC campsites with toilets)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Northern Tarawera Track
The track begins at the Tarawera Outlet swing bridge. Cross the bridge, take the left-hand track at the junction and pass a jetty a short way from the Outlet before heading west along the lake.
Lake views thin out as the track climbs inland. It then drops down into Humphries Bay, which DOC describes as a pleasant spot for a picnic or an overnight camp.
The area around the track was extensively altered by the 1886 Tarawera eruption, and native plants are slowly regenerating the landscape. You can walk it from either end, and there are campsites at both ends.
Getting There
You can reach the track by boat, landing at Humphries Bay or at Te Tapahoro / The Outlet. On foot, it links with the Tarawera Falls to Tarawera Outlet Track. There is no vehicle access to the Outlet campsite.
To use the Tarawera Falls car park, you need an access permit, and overnight parking there is not allowed. The forestry roads in the area are private and used at the forestry owners’ discretion, so check the conditions of your permit. DOC says permits are available from the Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre.
Camping and Connecting Tracks
DOC provides campsites with toilets at Lake Tarawera Outlet and Humphries Bay. From Humphries Bay, the Eastern Ōkataina Walkway would normally lead north to Lake Ōkataina, but when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had closed it because of a large unstable slip and rockfall risk. Don’t plan a through trip to Lake Ōkataina until DOC lists it as open again.
Take warm clothes, sturdy boots, a good raincoat, a first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Northern Tarawera Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve: campsites, connecting tracks and alerts around Lake Tarawera.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the weather and track alerts, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Northern Tarawera Track take?
DOC allows about 3 hours one way for the 6 km between Tarawera Outlet and Humphries Bay.
How hard is it?
It is graded as an Advanced tramping track. It climbs inland from the lake before dropping into Humphries Bay.
How do I get to the start?
By boat to Humphries Bay or Te Tapahoro / The Outlet, or on foot along the Tarawera Falls to Tarawera Outlet Track. There is no vehicle access to the Outlet campsite.
Do I need a permit?
You need an access permit to use the Tarawera Falls car park, available from the Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre. Overnight parking there is not allowed.
Can I camp along the track?
Yes. DOC has campsites with toilets at Lake Tarawera Outlet and at Humphries Bay.
Can I continue to Lake Ōkataina?
Not when we checked on 18 October 2026. The Eastern Ōkataina Walkway from Humphries Bay was closed because of an unstable slip. Check the DOC page for updates.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.