Blue Lake Track, Rotorua

One of the closest lakes to Rotorua, this is a popular spot for walking, swimming and water sports.

Where is it?

Start at the Blue Lake car park at the Lake Tikitapu Scenic Reserve, where you’ll find bathrooms, a playground and barbecues.

Terrain

Easy bush paths, a few ups and downs, it can be muddy in winter.

Handy to know

There’s a shop, a playground and toilets at the Top 10 Holiday Park.

Need to know

90min return; 5.5km

Basic fitness required

Easy bush paths, few ups and downs

Dogs on a leash

TRACK OVERVIEW

The native bush is filled with birds and the beaches are perfect for picnics. This is a walk that offers beautiful views and fabulously fresh air and the loop that circumnavigates the lake is perfect for warming up before taking a dip in the cool, clear water. The signage from the car park is excellent; most people set off to the right. Featuring ample quantities of quintessential Kiwi bush and stands of towering trees, this charming trek is popular with locals and out-of-towners, thanks to the quiet sandy beaches and pretty views of the Blue Lake and Green Lake (Rotokakahi). The track features a few stairs, some rocky surfaces and boggy patches after rain; the final leg takes you along the roadside so take special care because the road is narrow. Of course you can go the other way round, in a clockwise direction, thus doing the road section first.

Blue Lake © Mark Smith

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