New track to rival nation's best

A pou honouring the Tuhourangi people for their contribution to New Zealand tourism marks the entrance of the Tarawera Trail. Photo / File

A new track opening at Lake Tarawera this weekend is expected to attract more than 30,000 people a year.

The track, which has been nine years in the planning, is set to become one of New Zealand's Greatest Walks, according to Tarawera Trail Trust trustee Te Ohu Mokai Wi Kingi.

"The volcanic backdrop, geothermal features of the lake, surrounding bush and cultural and historic stories make this trail one of a kind," he said.

The trail runs 11km from the Te Wairoa car park to Te Rata Bay (Hot Water Beach) and is expected to take moderately fit walkers between four and five hours to complete.

"We're expecting 33,000 people a year - or about 90 a day - to walk the trail."

Panels along the trail will educate walkers about the history and ecology of the area.

"The trail is a perfect addition to the region as it has a low impact on the environment and ensures tangata whenua, as kaitiaki of the area, continue the stories of their forefathers."

In October this year the trail was honoured by the gift of a carved wooden Pou, Ohomairangi, by Tourism New Zealand and Te Puia | New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute acknowledging the local hapu, Ngati Hinemihi and Tuhourangi's significant contribution in establishing New Zealand's tourism industry.

The official opening powhiri and ribbon cutting is tomorrow with the trail open on Sunday.

The Tarawera Trail is the first of the proposed network of trails involving DoC and Maori private land owners to connect the 14 Te Arawa Lakes in the area.

The project aims to build a 42km walking track around Lake Tarawera that could link lakes Rotorua, Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Rotokakahi (Green Lake), Okareka, Rotomahana, Okataina and Tarawera.