Rotorua’s Rainbow Mountain offers one of the best views in the whole area. A volcanic blue lake sits in front of red steaming cliffs creating a scene so mesmerising it’s hard to turn away. Continuing further up the mountain along the summit track offers more great views, including a panorama over the surrounding countryside and distant volcanoes from the top.
The most spectacular viewpoint along the trail is very quick and easy to reach, so even if you don’t fancy a longer walk, it’s well worth the short drive out of town.
Here’s everything you need to know about Rainbow Mountain, one of our favourite places in Rotorua.
Rainbow Mountain Crater Lake and Summit Tracks
The stats
Distance: 6.8km return to the summit, 1km return to the crater lake
Elevation gained: 350m
Difficulty: Easy to the crater lake and moderate to the summit
If you’re only interested in going to the crater lake viewpoint then the trail is easy. It’s a good gravel path and only a very slight incline. If you want to head to the summit it gets steeper, but it’s rarely what I’d describe as very steep.
The path is generally in good condition all the way to the top although there are a few rocky and muddy patches. It took us about an hour on the way up (including stops for photos and views) but only 40 minutes on the way down.
The Crater Lake Walk
The Rainbow Mountain Summit Track also follows the Crater Lake Walk, so however far you plan on going, you will start on the same trail.
It’s a well maintained gravel path, which is largely flat, but does have some very gentle inclines in places. The trail takes you in between fairly dense bush so it’s nice and shady.
After 440m you’ll come to a junction at which point you are less than a minute from one of the most spectacular views in Rotorua, and by far the best lookout of the whole trail.
It offers real wow factor, with the phenomenal bright blue volcanic lake and the deep red of Rainbow Mountain directly behind.
It’s such a dramatic scene, and it was hard to believe we had it all to ourselves!
I had seen pictures where there were a lot of steaming vents on the mountain, however we only saw two on our visit, but it was still incredible.
I’d been to Rotorua twice before this visit but never to this spot and I was definitely missing out! It’s just amazing and a worthy destination in its own right, even if you don’t plan on going all the way to the summit.
On to Rainbow Mountain Summit
Once back on the main trail you have 2.9km to go to reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain. It is predominantly uphill, but a significant portion is a relaxed gradient.
You’ll feel like you’re going uphill but it’s not so steep that you feel really out of breath.
From the junction with the crater lake viewpoint you’ll continue on a narrow gravel path winding up through the bush.
After 550m you reach a junction, which is well signposted, and continue left for the summit. The whole of the way up to the top is a shared use track with cyclists, but they can only go uphill.
For the descent they use a dedicated bike path, so you never have to worry about having someone career into you.
We didn’t see any bikes on the trail, but if you do they will be moving slowly because it’s uphill and not the easiest terrain for a bike.
After another 500m you’ll reach a bench seat and a partial view out over the surrounding countryside. It’s not amazing, but pleasant enough if you want a breather.
The climb continues
The climb continues predominantly through the forest which is great for keeping it shady. Any exposed patches are quite short, which makes the climb feel easier than it would in the full heat of the sun.
There are some lovely patches of dense forest with plenty of tree ferns, but a lot of it is just bushland, which is pleasant, but not quite so beautiful. There is very little in the way of views until you hit the 2.7km mark and the next viewpoint.
Just before you do, the track steepens and remains so pretty much until you reach the top.
Until we reached the next viewpoint I had started to think we wouldn’t see the mountain again, which was a bit disappointing, but happily we did get this one last look.
It’s a close up view of the deep red and yellow rock of Rainbow Mountain, as well as several steaming vents. It’s not quite as good as the crater lake viewpoint but it’s definitely still fantastic.
The final stretch to the top
The last 650m to the summit is a bit steeper than it’s been to this point. Whilst the terrain is never tricky, this is where you’ll encounter some muddy patches (if there’s been recent rain) and also some rocky sections.
One short stretch has indents - almost like footholds - in the dirt path, which is great for walkers but must be a bit of a nightmare for cyclists!
After 450m from leaving the lookout you’ll arrive at a junction and briefly cross onto the downhill biking path.
Almost immediately you’ll see a cut through on the left marked by a pole which you can use for the last 200m to the top. Or you can just continue on the stony bike path which is more like a road.
The cut through is nicer, but it’s a bit rougher, so it’s down to personal preference.
The Rainbow Mountain summit
The summit is a sacred site for the people of the Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa and offers 360 degree views of the area; albeit a little obscured by bush at some points.
There’s a lovely shady picnic bench which makes for a fab lunch spot, or somewhere to sit and relax in the shade before heading back down.
Although you can’t see any of the geothermal activity from up here, you do get a great look at various lakes, rolling green hills and distant mountains and volcanoes.
On clear days you can even see as far as the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park!
When you’re ready to head down, it’s a straightforward walk, nothing felt too steep or slippery – although that could be different during or directly after heavy rain.
Getting to Rainbow Mountain
The Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve is located 26km and roughly a 20 minute drive from Rotorua. There is a free car park and a long drop toilet – BYO toilet paper!
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