Maunga Kākaramea — Rainbow Mountain — is a geothermally active peak rising from the volcanic landscape 26 kilometres south of Rotorua, beside SH5 (the Rotorua–Taupo highway). The mountain gets its name from the vivid colours of its steep flanks: red, orange, and white mineral deposits on the cliff faces surrounding a crater lake of striking turquoise water. Two walking tracks climb from the road — an easy 1-kilometre return walk to a Crater Lake lookout, and a more demanding Summit Track of 6.8 kilometres return that climbs 350 metres to a 360-degree panoramic view over the Bay of Plenty region. Both are managed by the Department of Conservation.
Practical Information
| Location | 26km south of Rotorua on SH5 (Rotorua–Taupo highway) |
| Reserve | Maunga Kākaramea and Waiotapu Scenic Reserves (DOC) |
| Māori name | Maunga Kākaramea — “mountain of coloured earth” |
| Track 1: Crater Lake | 1 km return, easy, ~15 minutes, free |
| Track 2: Summit | 6.8 km return, moderate, 2.5–3 hours, 350m elevation gain |
| Cost | Free |
| Parking | Car park off SH5; well-signposted |
| Footwear | Sturdy walking boots recommended for the summit track |
Crater Lake Track
The shorter option is a 1-kilometre return walk to a viewpoint above the Crater Lake. This takes around 15 minutes and requires minimal effort — it is accessible for most visitors including families with older children. The lookout gives a clear view down into the crater and across the vivid turquoise water of the lake. The steep red and orange mineral-stained cliffs surrounding the crater are visible from here, along with steam rising from geothermal vents around the crater rim. It is one of the more visually striking short walks in the Rotorua district.
Summit Track
The Summit Track (6.8km return) begins at the same car park and climbs through geothermally altered terrain — pale-coloured ground, sulphur deposits, and sparse vegetation shaped by the acidic soil conditions — to the summit of Maunga Kākaramea at approximately 679 metres. The 350-metre elevation gain is distributed across the ascent, with the steepest sections in the upper half. The summit is open and exposed, with a full 360-degree view over the Bay of Plenty region, including Lake Rotorua to the north and the volcanic plateau to the south toward Taupo. On a clear day the view extends to the Bay of Plenty coast.
The track passes two crater lakes — the main Crater Lake and a smaller secondary lake further up — and numerous active steam vents and boiling mud areas close to the path. The terrain is genuinely geothermal: stay on the marked track at all times, as the ground surface away from the path can be unstable.
Where to Learn More
DOC – Maunga Kākaramea Summit Track — official track information including current conditions, safety notes, and the Crater Lake track details.
AllTrails – Rainbow Mountain and Crater Lake Outlook Track — walker reviews, GPS map, and photos of both tracks.
Rotorua Travel Secrets – Rainbow Mountain — practical visitor guide to Maunga Kākaramea including what to bring and when to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rainbow Mountain from Rotorua?
26 kilometres south of Rotorua on SH5 (the Rotorua–Taupo highway). The car park is well-signposted off the highway — allow about 25 minutes driving time from central Rotorua.
How long is the Rainbow Mountain summit walk?
6.8 kilometres return, taking 2.5–3 hours at a moderate pace with 350 metres of elevation gain. The shorter Crater Lake Track is 1 kilometre return, taking about 15 minutes.
Is Rainbow Mountain safe to walk on?
Yes — on the marked tracks. The terrain is actively geothermal, with steam vents and unstable ground away from the path. Stay on the marked track at all times; do not venture off-trail.
What are the views like from the summit?
360-degree panoramic views over the Bay of Plenty region — Lake Rotorua to the north, the Taupo volcanic plateau to the south, and on a clear day the Bay of Plenty coast.
Is the Crater Lake walk free?
Yes — both the Crater Lake Track and the Summit Track are free. The DOC car park is also free.
Can children do the Rainbow Mountain walk?
The Crater Lake Track (1km, easy) is suitable for most children. The Summit Track (6.8km, 350m climb) requires reasonable fitness and is better suited to older children and adults.
Rainbow Mountain (Maunga Kākaramea) is one of the most dramatic short walks accessible from Rotorua. See the walking tracks in Rotorua hub for more trail options, or the Te Ara Ahi cycle trail which passes through the same geothermal landscape further south toward Waikite Valley.
