Pohaturoa Track’s lower lookout in Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, gives you views over the town and valley, with the lake visible on clear days. The yellow-marked circuit starts at the Redwoods I-site and winds through scrub, redwoods and ponga, with birdsong along the way. From the lookout, you can watch the geyser when it erupts. The full circuit takes about two hours; allow roughly 40 minutes to reach the lookout from the start, depending on your route.
Follow the yellow circuit
The Pohaturoa Track begins at the Redwoods I-site in Whakarewarewa. Pick up a map there, then follow the yellow-marked route. The full circuit is about 7.5 km and takes roughly two hours. The lookout is around 40 minutes from the start, though the route and pace affect the walk.
The track is unpaved, wide and shared with cyclists and horses. It passes through several kinds of terrain, including scrubby bush, redwoods and ponga, with birdsong along the way. The route has uphill and downhill sections and some stairs. Parts near the start can be a short workout, and the surface can be slippery when wet.
Choose your ascent
The suggested direction climbs a series of steps towards the track’s high point, then descends. In the opposite direction, the ascent is less steep but stretches over a longer distance. Choose the route that suits your pace and preference for stairs or a gentler climb.
From the lookout, you can see across the valley and Rotorua; the lake is visible on clear days. The viewpoint also looks towards the geyser. Its eruptions are reported at roughly hourly intervals and can last around 10 minutes, so binoculars or a camera with zoom can help you see the activity from the track.
FAQ
How long does the Pohaturoa Track take?
Allow about two hours for the full 7.5 km circuit. The lookout is roughly 40 minutes from the start.
Where does the Pohaturoa Track start?
Start at the Redwoods I-site in Whakarewarewa, where you can get a map and follow the yellow-marked trail.
Can you see the geyser from the lookout?
Yes. The lookout has a view towards the geyser, which erupts roughly once an hour for around 10 minutes.
Is the Pohaturoa Track difficult?
The unpaved track is described as an easy walk, but it has uphill and downhill sections and some stairs. The surface can be slippery when wet.
