Last Updated: 16th Dec 2024
Single Rainbow
Submitted by Lance Knauf
Last Updated: 16th Dec 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 12 ?
Gnarl Factor: 26 ?
6.7km
390m
390m
725m
Last Updated: 16th Dec 2024
Submitted by Lance Knauf
Last Updated: 16th Dec 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 12 ?
Gnarl Factor: 26 ?
6.7km
390m
390m
725m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Volcanic
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -13.8%
VIP Feature: Send this route to your Garmin account so you can follow the course on your Garmin device.
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
1:30
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:45
Fast
From the carpark the track idles around the base of the mountain where after an easy 500m of track you come across the deep blue crater lakes and the steaming white and pink cliffs. From here the track continues on another 200m before taking a left on the summit track. The track continues to sidle around the mountain gaining more elevation until around the 2km mark the track turns and heads up a ridge, climbing towards the summit at a consistent but manageable gradient.
The track emerges on to the gravel road which is followed to the top where you are rewarded with a full 360 view of the surrounding landscape from Tarawera to the north to Tauhara to the south. When you have taken it all in return via the same track to the carpark.
This trail includes the peak Rainbow Mountain.
A rewarding 360 view from the summit.
The dazzling crater lakes and steaming ground add a unique appeal which in some parts has turned the rocks to clay for the kids to enjoy while you find yourself a heated seat.
About twenty metres up the trail from the start, on the right.
Carpark is next to the busy highway but not entirely visible from the road.
26 km
23 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Perfect throughout.
Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Streams in the area have high acidity due to geothermal activity and would not deem suitable for drinking.
The clay is mildly slippery all year round which could add an extra challenge after any rainstorm.
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
648 Waikite Valley Road
http://www.hotpools.co.nz/
For those looking to rest aching muscles in comfort.
Kerosene Creek
Old Wiotapu Road
https://www.nzhotpools.co.nz/hot-pools/kerosene-creek-waiotapu/
For those looking to rest aching muscles in nature.
Trail Legend
Login as a VIP to become a Trail Legend. Learn about Trail Legends.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Single Rainbow
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
Lovely wee run, great views and a fast descent. Added this on to a Kerosene Creek Loop for a wee bathe in the hot springs!
May 24, 2020
Was very new to trail running when I took this on, was a challenging climb as a newbie, but one I really enjoyed
March 3, 2020
Really nice. Views a bit obscured by trees at too but loved the wee stretch.
November 1, 2019
Just when it feels like you've got there, it kicks up again. A fun but sharp climb
June 30, 2019
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
Send to your phone
Scan the below QR code to open this trail on your phone.
Tip: position the QR code in your phone camera screen.
