Isthmus Track

The track links Lakes Tarawera and Rotomahana and is an integral part of Waimangu 'Round Trip'. Take the launch across Lake Rotomahana and walk across the Isthmus to Lake Tarawera where another launch delivers you to Tarawera Landing. Contact Waimangu Volcanic Valley, phone +64 7 366 6137.

Getting there

26 km south-east of Rotorua. Most visitors access Lake Rotomahana through Waimangu Volcanic Valley (Waimangu Rd, off SH 5). Visitors boating on Lake Tarawera often tie up at Rāpatu Bay and walk to Lake Rotomahana over the Isthmus Track.

Nature and conservation

Lake Rotomahana was internationally famous for its spectacular Pink and White Terraces which were destroyed in the Mount Tarawera eruption of 1886. Steaming cliffs and silica terraces still remain as a feature of this lake.

The lake and surrounding margins are a wildlife refuge protecting many species of water fowl. The lake is closed to powerboats in May for the birds' breeding season.

Many rare ferns and orchids are found within the thermal areas.

Know before you go

When bathing in geothermal water do not immerse your head, due to risk of contracting the fatal disease Amoebic Meningitis. This disease is caused by water containing the amoeba entering through nasal passages.