Description
Rotopounamu fills a crater nestled into the western side of Mount Pihanga. It is nine metres deep and covers one square kilometre. The name of the lake comes from the Maori words 'roto' (lake) and 'pounamu' (greenstone).
Beginning opposite the parking area, the track winds gently uphill to the track junction. To walk around the lake, turn right and follow a short section of gravelled track before dropping down towards Five Minute Beach. Here a broad tree stump provides a good spot to view the lake.
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.
The track continues to the northern shore where three of the lake's four tributary streams enter the lake. The lake usually has no visible outflow, however when the water levels are low a small outflow can be seen near the shore on the southern side of the lake.
Continuing on, you 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.
Shorter option
From the road, take the track up to the junction and turn left. This short 20 minute walk will bring you to Ten Minute Beach, a pleasant picnic and swimming spot in summer.
Getting there
11 km from Turangi off SH47, the parking area is signposted on the south side of Te Ponanga Saddle.
Nature and conservation
Where once the forest was quiet, now many small birds fill the air with song - the North Island robin is often seen, and the big birds are back - kākā, kererū and falcon. The area has become a safe haven thanks to the work of Project Tongariro.
The group, made up of local volunteers, protects this World Heritage area from introduced predators and weeds through a network of traps and bait stations.
Know before you go
Take care crossing the busy road from the car park to the start of the track.