Image: Brian Taylor | Creative Commons
Geothermal activity, Lake Rotomahana.
Isthmus Track

Located in Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve in the Bay of Plenty region

This track is dominated by the majestic Mount Tarawera.

The track links Lakes Tarawera and Rotomahana.

Visitors boating on Lake Tarawera often tie up at Rāpatu Bay and walk to Lake Rotomahana over the Isthmus Track.

When bathing in geothermal water do not immerse your head, due to risk of contracting the fatal disease Amoebic Meningitis.  This disease is caused by water containing the amoeba entering through nasal passages.

Lake Rotomahana was internationally famous for its spectacular Pink and White Terraces which were destroyed in the Mount Tarawera eruption of 1886.  Steaming cliffs and silica terraces still remain as a feature of this lake.

The lake and surrounding margins are a wildlife refuge protecting many species of water fowl. The lake is closed to powerboats in May for the birds' breeding season.

Many rare ferns and orchids are found within the thermal areas.