Lake Rotokura Walk
Alerts
Avalanche NZ
Check Avalanche NZ for the full avalanche forecast before you go.
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NIWA weather risks
NIWA's Parks Weather site lists daily weather risks for the forecast point below.
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Forecast point: Waitonga Falls (1180m) · 10.9km away
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Experience lakes, beech forest and plentiful bird life feature on this short walk.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Sampled from the national 8m elevation model. No LiDAR survey covers this route yet.
Description
The first lake you'll pass on the track is Dry Lake. Flat, grassed areas above the lake are perfect for family picnics.
The track continues past Dry Lake to Lake Rotokura. This lake is surrounded by ancient beech forest and on clear days Mount Ruapehu is reflected in the lake’s calm waters.
Getting there
12 km from Ohakune en route to Waiouru, turn off SH 49 onto Karioi Station Road. Drive 1 km to the Rotokura car park.
Know before you go
Nature and conservation
Native birds such as tūī, kākā, bellbird, fantail and North Island robin are commonly seen or heard along the track to the lake.
History and culture
Rotokura is tapu (sacred healing waters) to Ngāti Rangi, the local Māori people or tangata whenua. Please respect this by not eating at or near Rotokura. Fishing is also prohibited.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track