What A Nutcase!

The 15km walk starts with opening views of beautiful Lake Tarawera. Follow the trail through Kotukutuku Bay and after 5km, stop at Hawaiki Bay to enjoy lake access and a picnic area with toilet facilities. The track continues with intermittent climbs, through lakeside bushland into Te Hinau Bay, passing over Twin Streams cold springs. After an uphill climb to reach the Rotomahana lookout point, descend into Te Rātā Bay to enjoy a soak at Hot Water Beach. Info panels along the trail tell the region's rich cultural and historic stories.

At the end of the walk you’ll find Te Rātā Bay and Hot Water Beach. Natural geothermal springs here provide an opportunity to make your own lakeside hot pool. Please use caution as localised patches of sand are very hot and can burn.
 

Please note:

There is limited cell phone reception along the track, meaning there may be a delay in contacting the emergency services should the need arise.
Walkers are advised to carry a first aid kit.
Dogs, horses, fires, removal of plants or animals, and hunting are not permitted on the trail or at Hot Water Beach.

Vehicles, including bicycles and motorbikes, are not permitted on the trail.

Most people take between 4 to 5 hours to walk the Trail and there is signage along the Trail that outline the distance and walking time between each landmark.

There is an option of a water taxi but it must be booked in advance!

WATER TAXI BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL – if there are no bookings the Water Taxi does not operate.