Single RainbowBeginner
Submitted by Lance Knauf
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Native bushVolcanic
Beginner
1:30 (Slow)
1:00 (Moderate)
0:45 (Fast)
-13.8%
+13.8%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Description
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.
Trail Community
Features of interest
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.
Make Up of Run
Moderate Single Track: 15%
Easy Single Track: 80%
Gravel Road: 5%
Route Data
Reviews:
Overlapping Runs
The following trails overlap with this run 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 Strava activity for each

Double Rainbow
Length: 20.90km
Photos:
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Access
From Rotorua head towards Taupo on SH5 for 20 minutes. Carpark is located on the left hand side of the road ~300m past the Lake Waikaremoana (SH38) turnoff.
Carpark is next to the busy highway but not entirely visible from the road.
26 km
23 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Easy.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
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.
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Post run indulgence
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. -
Sponsor this trail
See other runs nearby:
Tokorangi Pa Track
Tarawera Trail Route Recce
Valley of the Killer Zombie Wallabies
Pohaturoa Track
Blue and Green Lake Loops
Whakarewarea Circuit - the Black Track
Yellow Plus Cardiac
Fat Man's Run
Okataina...Eastern & Western
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Whirinaki Long Loop
Waimangu
Double Rainbow
Lake Okareka Walkway
Mount Ngongotaha
Whakarewarewa Rainbow
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As You Do Loop
Not Your Usual Rangitoto
Tennent's and Mistletoe Loop
RTRC Natives Loop