Kawakawa Bay tracks
WalkWaikato
- Grade
- Easy
- Walking time
- 3 hr
- Distance
- 9 km, 10 km
- Biking time
- 1 hr | 1 hr 30 min
- Dogs
- Under control
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzKinloch is a small lakeside settlement 24 km from Taupo. Travel north from Taupo on SH1 over the Waikato River, at the top of the hill turn left into Poihipi Road and follow signs to Kinloch.
To get to Orakahu car park, follow Kinloch Rd north, then turn west onto Whangamata Rd (approximately 10 km).
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 38.65969° S, 175.87829° E
About this place
The K2K and Orakau tracks both take you into the picturesque Kawakawa Bay; walk or ride the trails separately, or link them together for a longer day out.
The route
Kinloch to Kawakawa (K2K) track
Time (one way): 2 hr walk, 1 hr 30 min mountain bike km The track to Kawakawa Bay begins at the western end of the beach to the right of the parking area. Glorious views feature as the track climbs from Whangamata Bay and sidles along the top of a broad cliff. The bush is dominated by rewarewa but look out for the giant matai too. Once you reach the rocky lookout the track winds down into Kawakawa Bay. Here there is a shelter, toilet and plenty of opportunities for a swim or lakeside picnic. Return via the same track, or link with the Orakau trail.
Orakau track
Time (one way): 3 hr walk, 1 hr mountain bike km From the carpark on Whangamata Road, the trail follows the Orakau Stream and wetland through regenerating native bush down to the beach at Kawakawa Bay. The trail is generally downhill and offers views across Lake Taupō. Return via the same track, or continue on to Kinloch via the K2K.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Whakaipo Campsite
Basic • Waikato • 7.5 km
Whakaipo Campsite is a self-contained vehicle only campsite located next to Lake Taupō in the Waikato region. The site offers farm park surroundings and access…
Water from stream • Toilets • Water supply
Whakaipo Amenity Area
Waikato • 8.2 km
Whakaipo Amenity Area is on Mapara Road in Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve, Taupō District. It is for self-contained vehicles only, with a maximum stay of four…
Great Lake Taupo Holiday Park
Waikato • 14.9 km
Great Lake Taupo Holiday Park is a campsite located in the Waikato region. It is situated near Lake Taupo, offering a base for visitors exploring the area.
Kakaho Campsite
Standard • Waikato • 17.2 km
Kakaho Campsite is located beside Kakaho Stream and dense podocarp forest in the Waikato region. Visitors can swim in the stream or walk the Rimu Track through…
BBQ • Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans) • Non-powered/tent sites
Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).