Mount Tarawera, Bay Of Plenty 3073, New Zealand
Before the eruption, visitors from around the world flocked to the shores of the lake see the famed Pink and White Terraces – once named the ‘8th wonder of the world’ – which the eruption destroyed.
Today, Lake Tarawera is one of 18 clean and pristine lakes in the Rotorua region. Only a 15 minute drive from Rotorua, the lake is set amidst beautiful scenery and lies underneath the majestic Mount Tarawera itself.
On the northern lake shores thermal springs gently rise through the lake bed, warming the water and creating mystical steam shrouded cliffs. Named Hot Water Beach, this is the perfect location for a relaxing swim in the naturally heated pools and for picnics by the lakeside.
A number of walking tracks dot the area surrounding Lake Tarawera, including the picturesque Tarawera Falls trail. Here, visitors can see the most spectacular falls in the Bay of Plenty, plunging 65 metres down a sheer cliff before tumbling down native bush-lined rapids.
Epic New Zealand Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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