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.nz11 km from Tūrangi off SH47, the parking area is signposted on the south side of Te Ponanga Saddle.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 39.02249° S, 175.73482° E

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.
Nearby stops
Turangi NZMCA Park
Waikato • 6.3 km
Turangi Kiwi Holiday Park
Waikato • 6.7 km
Tongariro Junction Accommodation
Waikato • 7.1 km
Cross X Roads
Manawatū-Whanganui • 10.9 km
Tongariro Holiday Park
Manawatū-Whanganui • 11.6 km
Tongariro Holiday Park is a campsite located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region. It provides basic accommodation for visitors exploring the surrounding area.
Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
Closed, moved, wrong facts, or something we have missed? Travellers keep the Road Guide up to date. Tell us what you found at contribute@parkup.nz and we will check it and add it.
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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).

