3 Walks To Explore In Rotorua
Besides all the tourist attractions (and there are a lot!), there are also a number of forest-type walks in the Rotorua area. Below are 3 walks to explore in Rotorua that I took a wander around when I was there recently.
The Mokopuna Trail
The Mokopuna Trail is a walkway that has several access points off Long Mile Road in the Whakarewarewa Forest, starting at the Visitors Centre. Relatively flat, though undulating in a couple of places, the Mokopuna Track is approximately 3.6 km and can be done in about an hour, walking at a reasonable pace. Suitable for kids as well as mountain bikers though more suited to beginner riders and pushing the pram. You might see people walking their dogs or going for a run.
Trail Overview
Lake Tikitapu Trail
About a 10 minute drive from Long Mile Road is Lake Tikitapu or the Blue Lake which is a 5km loop track around the lake. While it is only 5km, this walk is not suitable for pushchairs. Thankfully the mountain bikers have a separate track which is part of the forest loop, meaning we can walk without worrying about speedsters coming up behind us! Being so close to the town centre, in summer Lake Tikitapu is one of the busiest lakes in the region, with swimmers, boaties and other summer loving locals and visitors.
Trail Overview
Lake Ōkāreka
Further past Lake Tikitapu is Lake Ōkāreka and a beautiful walk around part of the lake. The walkway starts from a Council lakeside reserve on Acacia Road, where a parking area is provided, and it continues for approximately 2.5 km’s around the shore to the outlet. Unlike many of the other walks in the Rotorua area, there are no dogs or bikes on this walkway. Along the way you will see wildlife, boaters, paddleboarders, and stunning views. Many hours of work has been put into creating this walkway, intended to protect the waters edge, so you are asked to please always stick to the walkways.
Trail Overview
For some of my other favourite adventures and activities to do when in Rotorua, visit this blog – 9 Things To Do In Rotorua.
This is just 3 walks to explore in Rotorua, but there really are so many! For even more ideas of stunning walks in Rotorua, visit the RotoruaNZ Website.
If you have suggestions of other walks I should check out when I’m next back in Rotorua, let me know in the comments!
