Lake Okataina tramping tracks

Tramping track

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.

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.
 

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.

What to expect on a tramping track:

• Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
• Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
• Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
• Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
• Tramping/hiking boots required

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