Pohaturoa Track Whaka lower Lookout — Attraction in North Island

This lookout is a great viewpoint to see the entire valley, including the town and lake - assuming you have a clear day like I did today. The suggested direction to hike involves uphill walking with a series of steps to reach the track's summit. It's downhill after that. Hiking in the opposite direction has you ascending at less of a grade over a longer stretch. You decide. I missed seeing the...

To get here, start at the Redwoods I-site and follow the right side of the yellow trail (Pohaturoa trail), which will take you through the magnificent redwood forest, then to a car park, up a road, then some bush before you get to the lookout. Completely worth the 40min walk for amazing views of Rotorua and Pohutu geyser. Pohutu geyser is said to be quite reliable with springing at...

Track starts at the Redwoods I-site following the yellow track. Easy enough, unpaved and wide track (shared with bikers and horses). 40mins to the lookout itself. Yellow track is 2hrs circuit including lookout. Nice view out over the geyser and town. Try to time it so that the geyser is spurting (usually every hour...