WAIMANGU HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Hot Water Beach Camp Pick Up — Water‑taxi transfer from Hot Water Beach to Kariri Point Reserve (Campers ONLY)
A short, scheduled water‑taxi shuttle that returns campers and their gear from Hot Water Beach to Kariri Point Reserve/Boat Shed Bay—this guide explains timings, gear transfer fees, and parking logistics.
Hot Water Beach Camp Pick Up — Water‑taxi transfer from Hot Water Beach to Kariri Point Reserve (Campers ONLY).
This service is the dedicated water‑taxi pick‑up for campers at Hot Water Beach in Waimangu, returning you and your camping gear across Lake Tarawera to Kariri Point Reserve/Boat Shed Bay; the page below focuses on the timing, where to meet, and how to handle camp gear transfers so your vehicle and hikers are staged correctly.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A short, scheduled water transfer
The water taxi trip between Hot Water Beach and Kariri Point Reserve takes roughly 25 minutes, providing a direct link to your parked car at Boat Shed Bay.
Camp gear transfer and pricing
Camp gear can be carried on the water taxi for set fees: $10 per tramping pack or similar, $10 per chilli bin, $15 for a 2–4 man tent, or $25 for an unaccompanied set of up to three camp items (with $10 per extra item thereafter).
Drop gear at the water taxi berth before parking
Because the operator’s van shuttle has insufficient space for both people and camp gear, drop passengers and gear at the Kariri Point Reserve water taxi berth before you drive to the Tarawera Trail Car Park to park your vehicle.
What the day feels like
What the transfer feels like
After your stay at Hot Water Beach Camp you board the operator’s water taxi at the Hot Water Beach departure point; the service carries campers and their camp gear across Lake Tarawera to Kariri Point Reserve/Boat Shed Bay where vehicles are staged.
THE TRANSIT
A short, scheduled water transfer
The water taxi trip between Hot Water Beach and Kariri Point Reserve takes roughly 25 minutes, providing a direct link to your parked car at Boat Shed Bay.
GEAR HANDLING
Camp gear transfer and pricing
Camp gear can be carried on the water taxi for set fees: $10 per tramping pack or similar, $10 per chilli bin, $15 for a 2–4 man tent, or $25 for an unaccompanied set of up to three camp items (with $10 per extra item thereafter).
PARKING & LOGISTICS
Drop gear at the water taxi berth before parking
Because the operator’s van shuttle has insufficient space for both people and camp gear, drop passengers and gear at the Kariri Point Reserve water taxi berth before you drive to the Tarawera Trail Car Park to park your vehicle.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this transfer suits — and who should plan alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Scheduled water taxi departures are at 9:30am, 12:30pm and 3:30pm; the water taxi crossing takes about 25 minutes.
Camp gear transfer fees apply: $10 per tramping pack or similar, $10 per chilli bin, $15 for a 2–4 man tent, and $25 for up to three unaccompanied camp items (plus $10 per additional item); travel is in the operator’s all‑weather boat.
Drop passengers and camp gear at the Kariri Point Reserve water taxi berth before driving to the Tarawera Trail Car Park to leave your vehicle; bookings are essential.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where do I meet the water taxi?
The Water Taxi departure point is Hot Water Beach.
How long is the water taxi crossing?
The crossing is approximately 25 minutes by water taxi.
When do the water taxis depart?
Departure times are 9:30am, 12:30pm and 3:30pm.
What are the fees to transfer camp gear?
Fees are $10 per tramping pack or similar, $10 per chilli bin, $15 for a 2–4 man tent, and $25 for an unaccompanied three‑item set (with $10 for each additional camp item).
Can the operator’s van shuttle carry my passengers and camp gear together?
No; the van shuttle does not have enough space for both people and camp gear, so drop gear and any passengers at the Kariri Point Reserve water taxi berth before parking your car.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — bookings are essential.