Tikitapu Nature Walk
Short walk
Getting there
Lake Tikitapu/Blue lake is situated 9km south - east of Rotorua, via Te Ngae Rd then Tarawera Rd. As the lake comes into view there will be a large grassed area on your left. Park and follow the signs across this to the start of the track.
About the area
The Tikitapu Nature Walk was built as a joint venture between the Rotorua branches of the Botanical Society and Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, with support coming from the Department of Conservation and Environment Bay of Plenty.
Members of both organisations have formed the Okareka Mistletoe Project and regularly hold working bees where they go about controlling weeds and pest such as possums and rats by laying poison baits. These are all threats to the mistletoe plants.
Volunteers working on the construction
of the track
Populations of these mistletoes are scattered and localised. In the Bay of Plenty they are found mainly around certain Rotorua lakes, particularly in regenerating forest or shrubland where light levels are higher.
The idea behind the nature walk was was to have an interactive educational walk for families, school groups and others where they can learn about the flora and fauna around them as well as the geographic history. The walk contains information panels on bird life and the effects of the Mt Tarawera eruption on the forest. Trees have also been labelled to give the walker an idea of the variety of species present.
Description
The track is of even surfacing over undulating terrain. This track has been designed for use by the whole family so is easily tackled by people of all ages and fitness levels.
Activities
Activities with children
Flora and fauna
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a short walk:
- Easy walking for up to an hour
- Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes
- Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness
- Stream and rivers crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes required