• Wahanga is the northern-most peak and may be translated as "cleft or cleavage"
• Ruawahia is the central and highest peak and may be translated as "pit broken open". It was on this mountain that bones of chiefs were laid to rest in burial caves. These were destroyed in the eruption. Ruawahia dome is the highest at 3680 feet or 1111 metres above sea level.
• Tarawera is the southern-most peak, sloping steeply towards Lake Rotomahana and may be translated as "burnt peak".
  

VOLCANOLOGY
Mt Tarawera lies within the Okataina Volcanic Centre, one of five major active areas within the Taupo Volcanic Zone.

Tarawera is made up of 11 rhyolite domes and pyroclastics from eruptions from within the southern part of the Haroharo Caldera formed by volcanic episodes more than 20,000 years ago.

Tarawera has erupted five times:

• 1886 basaltic scoria eruption
• 700 yrs ago Kaharoa eruption of rhyolitic lava and pyroclastics
• 11,000 yrs ago Waiohau episode
• 15,000 yrs ago Rerewhakaaitu episode
• 17,000 yrs ago An episode associated with the Okareka ash

The 1886 Tarawera Basalt deposits are well exposed along the rift across Mt Tarawera. The red and black scoria varies in thickness from 20-60 cm.

The basalt contrasts with the older grey-white rhyolite lavas and pyroclastics which make up the bulk of the mountain.

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UNIQUE FLORA & FAUNA
Flora on the mountain is sub-alpine flora. Mainly ground covers, moss, lichen, herbs and hebes. Due to the altitude, all flora close to the summit is slow growing and fragile.