Scenic viewpoints in Bay of Plenty

Scenic Viewpoints & Peaks

This collection spans the volcanic and geothermal landscapes of the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua regions. It features prominent landmarks such as the dormant cone of Mauao and the active marine volcano of Te Puia o Whakaari. The list includes geothermal vantage points like the Pohutu Geyser and Maunga Kākaramea, alongside elevated lookouts over Whakarewarewa Forest, the Rotorua lakes, and the Tauranga coastline from the Minden and Kohi Point vantage points.

timmarshall / CC0

Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui, or Mauao, commonly known by locals as The Mount, is a dormant volcanic cone at the end of a peninsula in the town of Mount…

(WT/de) Thorsten / CC BY-SA 1.0

Pohutu Geyser

Located in the Whakarewarewa Valley, this is the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. It erupts up to 20 times a day, with steam and water reaching heights of up to 30 meters.

Phillip Capper / CC BY 2.0

Putauaki / Mount Edgecumbe

Putauaki is a dacite volcanic cone in the Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand.

Te Puia o Whakaari

New Zealand's most active cone volcano, situated 48 kilometers offshore in the Bay of Plenty. The island features a low-lying crater and active sulfur vents.

Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0

Rainbow Mountain

A geothermal peak characterized by its multi-colored rocks and thermal-tolerant vegetation. The summit offers 360-degree views of the central North Island, including Mount Tarawera and the volcanic plateau.

Whakarewareewa Forest Look Out - Quarry Track

Situated on the Quarry Track within the Redwood Forest, this vantage point provides views across the city of Rotorua, Lake Rotorua, and the steam vents of the Whakarewarewa Valley.

Michal Klajban / CC BY-SA 4.0

Crater Lake Outlook

A viewing area on the slopes of Maunga Kākaramea overlooking two geothermal craters filled with bright blue water and surrounded by steep, steaming cliffs.

Andy king50 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Lower Whaka Outlook

A viewing platform offering a direct perspective of the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley and its active thermal features.

SkyLine & Luge

Located on the slopes of Mount Ngongotahā and accessed via gondola, this site offers panoramic views of the Rotorua caldera and lake from an elevation of 487 meters.

Okere Falls

A series of overlooks along the Kaituna River featuring four distinct waterfalls, including the 7-meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

Kohi Point Lookout

Located on the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi track, this lookout provides vistas of the Whakatāne river mouth, the Pacific Ocean, and Moutohorā (Whale Island).

Minden Lookout

A high-elevation viewpoint in Te Puna offering expansive views across Tauranga, the harbor, and the coastline toward the Kaimai Ranges and Mount Maunganui.