Rainbow Mountain, which Maori call Manga Cacaramia, means "mountain of colored earth". On the top of the mountain is an unusual round hill called Tihiorua, meaning "habitat of owls". Rainbow Mountain volcanic activity was frequent in the past. But it has been quiet for years. The native vegetation on the mountain has also slowly grown. The mountain also grows rare plants that are only found in geothermal areas. There are information signs introducing the unique vegetation at the beginning of two charming walkways.