On the Tarawera Trail

Away from the glitz and glamour of city tourism, Rotorua's newest tourist attraction has been quietly launched this summer.

The Mud went out to talk to walkers on the Tarawera Trail - a special project by the Department of Conservation and local Maori land owning trusts.

The walk borders Lake Tarawera, and offers new access to Hot Water Beach, an area previously only accessed by boat.

On the day if these interviews, most of those using the trail were day-walkers, who thought the walk was great; a couple of experienced trampers liked the walk but were less than impressed with the level of facilities at Hot Water Beach.