Rotopounamu Track

WalkWaikatoOpen

Grade
Easy
Walking time
2 hr
Distance
5 km
Route
Loop
Dogs
No dogs

Access: read before you go

Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited. Drone use on conservation land

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

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.nz

11 km from Tūrangi off SH47, the parking area is signposted on the south side of Te Ponanga Saddle.

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

Map

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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 39.02249° S, 175.73482° E

Rotopounamu Track, walk in Waikato
Photo and data: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.

About this place

This track circles a beautiful lake surrounded by native forest and is a special favourite of tree lovers, birdwatchers, and families.

The route

Beginning opposite the parking area, the track winds gently uphill to the track junction. To walk around the lake, turn right and follow a short section of gravelled track before dropping down towards Five Minute Beach. Here a broad tree stump provides a good spot to view the lake. Long Beach sweeps along the eastern side of the lake and is an ideal spot for a picnic or rest stop. There is a toilet here. The track continues to the northern shore where three of the lake's four tributary streams enter the lake. The lake usually has no visible outflow, however when the water levels are low a small outflow can be seen near the shore on the southern side of the lake. Continuing on, you pass Ten Minute Beach and soon return to the track junction. From here it's downhill to the carpark. Allow two hours for a leisurely walk around the lake.

Shorter option

From the road, take the track up to the junction and turn left. This short 20 minute walk will bring you to Ten Minute Beach, a pleasant picnic and swimming spot in summer.

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

Know before you go

No dogs

Dogs are not permitted on this track.

No drones

Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited. Drone use on conservation land

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

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Sources

  • DOC Tracks & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
  • 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).