Lake Rotopounamu loop track
Track category
Walking track
Time:
2 hr loop track
Distance:
5 km
Description
Rotopounamu
Rotopounamu ('greenstone lake') nestles on the side of Mt Pihanga. This beautiful lake is a special favorite of tree lovers, birdwatchers, walkers and swimmers. It is a great spot for the family.
Beginning opposite the carpark the track winds gently uphill. At the junction the track to the left goes to Ten Minute Beach which is a pleasant picnic and swimming spot in summer. The walk into the lake takes about 20 minutes.
To walk around the lake turn right at the junction and follow a short section of metalled track before dropping down towards Five Minute Beach.
Here a broad treestump provides a good spot to view the lake. Rotopounamu was formed by a landslide about 10,000 years ago. It is nine metres deep and covers one square kilometre.
Long Beach sweeps along the eastern side of the lake and is an ideal spot for a picnic or rest stop. There is a toilet here. From here the track continues to the northern shore where three of Rotopounamu's four tributary streams enter the lake. The lake has no visible outflow and possibly drains via an underground stream or seepage.
Continuing on, you will pass Ten Minute Beach and soon return to the track junction. From here it is downhill to the carpark. Allow two hours for a leisurely walk around the lake.
Getting there
11 km from Turangi off SH 47, carpark signposted on the south side of Te Ponanga Saddle.
As this track is in the Tongariro National Park, no dogs are allowed.
Activities
Bird and wildlife watching
Plan and prepare
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Before starting out, trampers should check the weather forecast and track conditions - weather can be extremely changeable all year round. Be prepared for bad weather at all times.
Heavy rain will cause increased water flows in all streams and rivers.
Giardia may be present in some streams in the park. We recommend you treat all water before you drink it.
Take with you:
- windproof and waterproof clothing (raincoat and overtrousers)
- sturdy comfortable shoes or boots
- food, and plenty to drink
- sunglasses and sunscreen if you are venturing above the snowline
- first aid kit
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