Lake Okataina tramping tracks
Track category
Tramping track
Description
Interpretation panels at the entrance
to Lake Okataina
Rongomai Track
Time: 40 min one way
A section of the Western Okataina Walkway, between Patotara and the Outdoor Education Centre.
Eastern Okataina Walkway: Lake Okataina Carpark (Tauranganui Bay) to Humphries Bay (Lake Tarawera)
Time: 3 hr one way
There are toilets, a carpark and a grassed area for picnicing at Tauranganui Bay. At the end of the walkway at Humphries Bay there is a toilet and a informal camping and picnicing area. A great place for a swim, with beautiful water and superb views of Mount Tarawera.
Western Okataina Walkway: Ngapuka Bay (Lake Rotoiti) to Millar Road (near Lake Okareka)
Time: 7 hr one way
Start the track off from Ngapuka Bay with a stepply climb to the top of a ridge before levelling out and continuing on to Okataina Outdoor Education Centre, from there follow the track to Millar Road (lake Okareka) this track is steep in places, and the surface maybe rough and uneven, but the view from Whakapoungakau Trig is well worth the effort.
Getting there
The Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve tracks are accessed from Okataina Road. Turn off SH 30 (Whakatane/ Rotorua highway) at Ruato, 22 km from Rotorua.
Plan and prepare
You need to be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on the longer, day walks. Ensure you have strong, comfortable boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. It is also advisable to leave your tramping intentions with a responsible person, in case you get lost.