Last Updated: 16th Dec 2024

Beginner

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Single Rainbow

Rotorua, Bay of Plenty

Submitted by Lance Knauf

Last Updated: 16th Dec 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 12 ?

Gnarl Factor: 26 ?

6.7km

390m

390m

725m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Volcanic

Run Makeup

5%
80%
15%

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -13.8%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:45

Fast

From the carpark the track idles around the base of the mountain where after an easy 500m of track you come across the deep blue crater lakes and the steaming white and pink cliffs. From here the track continues on another 200m before taking a left on the summit track. The track continues to sidle around the mountain gaining more elevation until around the 2km mark the track turns and heads up a ridge, climbing towards the summit at a consistent but manageable gradient.

The track emerges on to the gravel road which is followed to the top where you are rewarded with a full 360 view of the surrounding landscape from Tarawera to the north to Tauhara to the south. When you have taken it all in return via the same track to the carpark.

This trail includes the peak Rainbow Mountain.

A rewarding 360 view from the summit.
The dazzling crater lakes and steaming ground add a unique appeal which in some parts has turned the rocks to clay for the kids to enjoy while you find yourself a heated seat.

About twenty metres up the trail from the start, on the right.

Carpark is next to the busy highway but not entirely visible from the road.

26 km

23 minutes

No

No

Easy.

Perfect throughout.

Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Streams in the area have high acidity due to geothermal activity and would not deem suitable for drinking.

The clay is mildly slippery all year round which could add an extra challenge after any rainstorm.

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
648 Waikite Valley Road
http://www.hotpools.co.nz/
For those looking to rest aching muscles in comfort.

Kerosene Creek
Old Wiotapu Road
https://www.nzhotpools.co.nz/hot-pools/kerosene-creek-waiotapu/
For those looking to rest aching muscles in nature.

Trail Legend

JH

Jamie Hall

has completed Single Rainbow twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Lovely wee run, great views and a fast descent. Added this on to a Kerosene Creek Loop for a wee bathe in the hot springs!

Lauren Mai Anderson

May 24, 2020

Was very new to trail running when I took this on, was a challenging climb as a newbie, but one I really enjoyed

Brad Harris

March 3, 2020

Really nice. Views a bit obscured by trees at too but loved the wee stretch.

Tony Sharpe

November 1, 2019

Just when it feels like you've got there, it kicks up again. A fun but sharp climb

Brad Harris

June 30, 2019

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.

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