Rainbow Mountain (Maunga Kakaramea) MTB Loop

A serious climb, breathtaking panoramic views and a technical downhill on a geothermal mountain, lead to a swim under a hot waterfall.

Details:

Distance: 7km loop

Time: 3.5 hours

Level: 

• Te Tihi o Ruru (Uphill section) Grade 4, dual use, 2km climbing 743m. 
• Te Ranga (Downhill section) Grade 4, 2.4km
• Te Ara Ahi (Traverse at the bottom) Grade 2, dual use, 2.6km

Location: 20 minute drive south of Rotorua on SH5 towards Taupo with a carpark facility

Top tip: Pack your swimsuit and a towel, as the trail leads to Kerosene Creek where you can bathe under a geothermal waterfall.

Iwi: Ngati Tahu/Ngati Whaoa

Riding the trail:

As you arrive at Rainbow Mountain | Maunga Kakaramea (mountain of coloured earth) you’ll instantly feel that the Ngati Tahu | Ngati Whaoa maunga is special. Your bike will traverse over the red ochre landscape past green volcanic lakes and steaming cliff faces, with a very steep climb through native trees and volcanic flora to the peak.

On a clear day at the summit, you can see Mt Tarawera in the north, Paeroa Range to the west and the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park to the south.

Then it’s time to tackle the downhill trail Te Ranga with a techy top section in the native bush to test skills, before the trail opens up to a fast and flowy section at the bottom.

Just as you think the ride can’t get any better… the Te Ara Ahi trail leads to Kerosene Creek where you can bathe under a geothermal waterfall - a blissful experience.

Note: The development of the loop is a part of the National Cycle Trail and is a partnership project between the Department of Conservation, Ngati Tahu / Ngati Whaoa and Rotorua District Council.

Rotorua MTB Club trips:

Rotorua Mountain Bike Club sometimes organises club trips to ride Rainbow Mountain, so keep an eye out for events which may pop up on the Facebook page.

History of Rainbow Mountain | Maunga Kakaramea (Mountain of coloured earth)

The summit and slopes of Maunga Kakaramea supported a large Pa. During times of battle women and children were moved to the summit area while the fighting warriors occupied more strategic slopes allowing them to engage in battle more effectively.

One of the last major battles in this area was when the Raukawa chief Rahurahu made an attack on the Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa people. He was lured into this area where a large party of Ngati Tahu, Ngati Whaoa and Ngati Apumoana were waiting for him. It was in this battle that Rahurahu was finally defeated.