Lake Okataina walking tracks

Walking track

Getting there

The tracks are accessed from Okataina Road - turn off SH 30 (Whakatane/ Rotorua Highway) at Ruato, 22 km from Rotorua.

Description

Lake Okataina

Te Auheke Track (means 'tumbling water')

Time:  40 min one way  

This track is also known as the Cascades Track. The circular track passes a sheer cliff face which is covered by moss and ferns by day and thousands of glow worms at night. Cascade Falls are approximately 10 m high with water falling over and around many rock protusions, creating a picturesque scene. 

Ngahopua Track (means 'depressions' or 'bowls')

Time: 50 min to complete loop  

This track is also known as the Twin Lakes Track. Commences immediately opposite the side road to the Outdoor Education Centre, on Okataina Road. It passes 100 m above the twin volcanic crater lakes of Rotongata and Rotoatua, which were formed about 3,500 years ago. They support a variety of interesting birdlife from harrier hawks to scaup and dabchicks.  

Kepa Track

Time: 10 min one way 

Commences off Okataina Road, 100 m south of the Outdoor Education Centre. The track takes walkers through clearings where evidence of past logging activity remains in the form of old log-loading skids. The track meets up with the Anaha Track.

Anaha Track

Time: 60 min one way

Commences approximately 100 m south of the Outdoor Education Centre, off Okataina Road and finishes 1.2 km further down the road. The track passes through old logging sites where the log-loading ramps or skids are still apparent.   

Tarawhai Track

Time: 50 min to complete loop

Commences 50 m down the side road leading to the Education Centre. A circular track which passes some fine examples of rimu, pukatea and tawa, with a wide variety of other native plants present.  This makes for an interesting and informative interpretation walk. A 5 m by 5 m fenced-off area has been created beside the southern end of this track to illustrate the effects of introduced browsers (notably, wallabies) on the native vegetation.

There are toilet and picnicing facilities next to the carpark at Okataina Outdoor Education Centre.  There are also toilet, picnicing areas, a boat ramp, swimming areas, historic sites and interpretation pannels at the carpark next to the Okataina Lodge.

Plan and prepare

You need to be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on 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 peron, in case you get lost. 

What to expect on a walking track:

• Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
• Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
• Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
• Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required

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