584
Accessibility: DIFFICULT
Climb to the summit of Mt Tauhara and lookout over the active geothermal and volcanic features of th
WHAT'S HERE?
Sunset view from Mt Tauhara to the central volcanoes. Sarah Milicich
This 2.5 km trail climbs to the summit of Mt Tauhara at 1,088 m where you will find panoramic views over Lake Taupo and the central North Island. ~2 ½ hrs return.
LEARN ABOUT IT
View of Taupo town from the summit of Mt Tauhara. Sarah Milicich
The climb starts over farmland before going into a bush track. After leaving the stream part way up you’ll encounter a narrow cutting through pumice from the last Taupo eruption (232AD). From the lookout at the summit trig you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views over the central North Island.
Across Lake Taupō you can see the volcanoes of Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe with the lower volcanic domes of Pihanga and Kakaramea in front. To the northeast you can see across to the volcano Putauaki (Edgecumbe) near Whakatane.
Particularly on cooler days, you can see many plumes of steam rising in the Taupo area. These are related to the geothermal power developments in the area.
Mt Tauhara is a dormant volcano, formed about 65,000 years ago. It was formed by less violent eruptions and oozing dacitic lava. This is different from the large explosive rhyolitic eruptions that formed the caldera the Lake Taupō fills.
Across Lake Taupō you can see the volcanoes of Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe with the lower volcanic domes of Pihanga and Kakaramea in front. To the northeast you can see across to the volcano Putauaki (Edgecumbe) near Whakatane.
Particularly on cooler days, you can see many plumes of steam rising in the Taupo area. These are related to the geothermal power developments in the area.
Mt Tauhara is a dormant volcano, formed about 65,000 years ago. It was formed by less violent eruptions and oozing dacitic lava. This is different from the large explosive rhyolitic eruptions that formed the caldera the Lake Taupō fills.
HAVE A LOOK!
Panoramic view from the summit of Mt Tauhara. Sarah Milicich
Look across the landscape and see if you can identify all the volcanoes in the area. Think about how these different volcanoes form. Were they big explosive eruptions, or smaller event that build the volcano over time?
Can you see the geothermal steam? The heat for the geothermal system is related to the volcanic history of the area.
Can you see the geothermal steam? The heat for the geothermal system is related to the volcanic history of the area.
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Directions/Advisory
East of Taupo, on Route 5 Napier-Taupo Road, turn on Mountain Road. There is a carpark with a Tauhara Mountain Trust sign notifying visitors that the mountain is a Maori reservation and that no firearms, dogs, or fires are allowed.
Mt Tauhara is a culturally significant landmark for local Maori. Walkers are asked to keep to the track and respect the environment.
Google Directions
Accessibility:
DIFFICULT
It is challenging and steep track in places, so be prepared by wearing sturdy footwear and taking plenty of water, snacks and warm clothing as there is often a cool wind at the summit.
Features
Volcanic
Geothermal
Geological Age
Quaternary, about 65,000 years old.
Zealandia Evolution Sequence
Pākihi Supergoup: 5 million years ago – present