Rainbow Mountain near Waiotapu. North Is. New Zealand.
S 38° 19.130 E 176° 22.700
60H E 445656 N 5758626
Rainbow Mountain's Maori name is Maungakakaramea, meaning 'mountain of coloured earth'. This mountain lies in an active geothermal area south of Rotorua.
Waymark Code: WMPBW2
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 08/05/2015
Views: 1
Rainbow Mountain is an extinct dacite volcano on the Northern edge of the Waiotapu thermal area. It has significance in botanical and scientific terms as it contains complex mixtures of plant species - some of which are unique in geothermal areas.
Although it has a very volcanic past, Rainbow Mountain has cooled over recent years, allowing the native vegetation to slowly begin regenerating. Some plant species found on the mountain are very rare and grow only in geothermal areas. An information panel highlights special features of the vegetation at the start of two fascinating walking tracks.
The Crater Lakes Walk offers great views of two volcanic craters set against a backdrop of bare brown, orange and red steaming cliffs. The Summit Track leads you up through regenerating native vegetation and past steaming rainbow-coloured rocks. The climb to the summit is rewarded with magnificent 360-degree views of the surrounding Rotorua lakes, forests and mountains as far as the Central Plateau volcanic mountains.
PARKING and start of Walking Track: S 38° 18.930 E 176° 22.555
This is a geothermal area. Stay on the well formed tracks and viewing platform. Lock your car and don't leave valuables visible.
Waymark is confirmed to be publicly accessible: yes
Parking Coordinates: N 38° 18.930 W 176° 22.555
Access fee (In local currency): .00
Requires a high clearance vehicle to visit.: no
Requires 4x4 vehicle to visit.: no
Public Transport available: no
Website reference: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
No specific requirements, just have fun visiting the waymark.