Lake Rotokura Walking Track Ohakune New Zealand Mount Ruapehu reflected in Lake Rotokura Ecological Reserve

When the water is still, Lake Rotokura acts like a mirror to Mount Ruapehu, delivering a great postcard view. A relatively easy 2-kilometer (1.25-mile) walk crosses through Lake Rotokura Ecological Reserve, located east of the town of Ohakune, just outside the boundaries of Tongariro National Park. This is a peaceful short walk, leading to a setting that’s quite beautiful in clear conditions.

Make your way to a dirt parking area at the south end of the Lake Rotokura Ecological Reserve, where a Department of Conservation sign at the start of Rotokura Walk lists the distance to Dry Lake as 5 minutes and to Rotukura as 15 minutes. Follow a wide dirt trail north, ascending through a light beech forest. The trail goes gradually uphill, with a few moderate spots, crossing a woodland with lots of nice ferny areas. At the mid-point of the 1-kilometer long track, you will walk along the edge of Dry Lake. Despite its name, you should actually see plenty of water in this shallow reed-covered pond (who ever named it must have had a dry sense of humor). There are picnic tables along the track, and you are asked to picnic here and not at Lake Rotokura, which is sacred to the Māori.

Lake Rotokura Ecological Reserve Dry Lake
Dry Lake

The trail leaves Dry Lake and ascends through more forest toward Lake Rotokura. As the trail levels out, you will come to the shore of the lake. The snow-covered mass of Mount Ruapehu rises above the pines on the far side of the lake. This cone-shaped volcano is the highest peak on New Zealand’s North Island and the nation’s largest active volcano. Pause and enjoy this calm mountain view as ducks drift across the lake. When there isn’t much wind, the calm water creates a nice reflection of Mount Ruapehu. See if you can arrive in the morning when the lake is likely to be still. The walking track ends at the lakeshore, although thin footpaths seem to go off in both directions around the lake.

Lake Rotokura
Lake Rotokura
Lake Rotokura
Mount Ruapehu above Lake Rotokura

After absorbing the view of Lake Rotokura, simply return the way you came. This easy hike has 75 meters (250 feet) of elevation change. Dogs, bikes, and horses are not allowed. No fee or permit is required to walk to Lake Rotokura, so get out and enjoy!

Directions: Take State Highway 49 east of Ohakune for 11 kilometers to Karioi Station Road (which has a sign for Rotokura Ecological Reserve) and turn left. Drive north up Karioi Station Road for three kilometers to the car park at the end of the road. The pavement runs out after 1.1 kilometers, but continue up a gravel road across railroad tracks and over a small bridge to reach a dirt turnaround at the end of the road where the track begins.

Trailhead address: Karioi Station Road, Tangiwai, Manawatu-Wanganui, 4691, New Zealand
Trailhead coordinates: -39.437782, 175.519195 (39° 26′ 16.01″S 175° 31′ 09.10″E)

Track Map
View Tongariro National Park in a larger map
Elevation Profile
Click or hover over any spot on this elevation profile to see the distance from the start and elevation above sea level at that location, which will be highlighted on the map.

You may also view a regional map of surrounding New Zealand tracks, campgrounds, and lodging.

Photos

Lake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake Rotokura Walking TrackLake RotokuraLake RotokuraLake RotokuraLake RotokuraLake RotokuraLake Rotokura

These photos were taken in February of 2014. Click to enlarge.
Nearby Trails
Rimu Walk Rimu Walk
This short, level walk explores a Rimu forest along the Mangawhero River near the town of Ohakune at the south end of Tongariro National Park.
Waitonga Falls Track Waitonga Falls
This 4-kilometer return hike reaches Tongariro National Park's tallest waterfall and passes through an alpine wetland that reflect views of Mount Ruapehu.
Mangawhero Falls Mangawhero Falls
This easy 0.3-kilometer hike leads to a viewpoint for a 25-meter tall waterfall below Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park.
Tawhai Falls Tawhai Falls
This 0.8-kilometer return hike visits a short but enticing single-drop waterfall near Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This 19.4-kilometer long through-hike ventures across dynamic volcanic landscapes in Tongariro National Park and ranks among the world's greatest day hikes.
Lake Rotopounamu Lake Rotopounamu
This 6.4-kilometer loop visits tranquil beaches on a forest-wrapped lake in Tongariro National Park.
New Zealand Tracks More trails in New Zealand
Explore other destinations for walking and hiking (as well camping and lodging) in New Zealand.
Nearby Camping & Lodging
Mangawhero Campground Mangawhero Campground
This campground in Tongariro National Park near Ohakuna, New Zealand has twelves sites on two loops with views of Mount Ruapehu.
Whakapapa Holiday Park Whakapapa Holiday Park
This holiday park in Whakapapa Village offers tent sites, campervan sites, cabins, and a backpackers lodge along a stream below Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park.
OK! Add to trails I’ve hiked
OK! Add to trails I want to hike
Tagged with · Free Trails · Lakes · New Zealand Department of Conservation · Ohakune
Distance: 2 kilometers / 1.25 miles · Elevation change: 75 meters / 250 feet

Ask a question or share your experience

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Go the extra miles...
Submit a rating of this hike to go with your comment. Contribute to the average trail rating.