Tarawera Outlet to Humphries Bay
Tramping track
Time:
3 hr one way
Distance:
6 km
Getting there
Access to Tarawera Outlet is from Kawerau township (off SH 30 between Rotorua and Whakatane) via private forestry roads which require permits. The forest gate is closed during the hours of darkness. The forest road may be closed in summer when fire risk is high.
Access permits
Permits cost $4 and must be collected on the day of entering the forest roads from:
Kawerau Information Centre
Plunket St, Kawerau
+64 7 323 7550
Open 8am - 4pm Monday - Sunday (closed Christmas Day)
Directions from Kawerau
When you drive into Kawerau turn off Tamarangi Drive into Islington Street, then turn right onto Onslow Street, left onto Fenton Street, right onto River Road and then left onto Waterhouse Street. You are now on private forestry roads. Follow Tarawera Road (Forestry) which then becomes Fentons Mill Road, and then turn left onto Waterfall Road.
About the area
At Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve you can visit Tarawera Landing, The Orchard, Humphries Bay and Hot Water Beach.
Description
Views of Lake Tarawera can be seen
from the track
The track begins at the Tarawera Outlet swingbridge. Cross the bridge and take the left hand track at the junction. The track passes a jetty a short distance from the Outlet and progresses westward.
Views of the lake become less frequent as the track climbs inland. The track descends into Humphries Bay - a pleasant picnic and overnight camping area. Trampers can then take the Eastern Okataina Walkway northwards to access Otangimoana Bay on Lake Okataina (approximately 20 minutes one way) or onwards to complete the Walkway at the Okataina carpark (Tauranganui Bay - a further 2 hours 40 minutes walk).
Facilities: Camping facilities and toilets are provided at Tarawera Outlet and Humphries Bay. Camping is permitted at Tarawera Outlet and Humphries Bay.
Places to stay
Humphries Bay Campsite is a small, informal camping area at the northern arm of Lake Tarawera. The campsite is accessible on foot or by boat, and camping is restricted to visitors arriving on foot or by kayak only. Visitors are asked to limit their stay to one night. Toilet facilities are provided.
Plan and prepare
You need to be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on longer day walks. Ensure you have warm clothes, strong, comfortable boots, 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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