CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND 5
BLUE LAKE TRACK
Blue Lake © Adrian Hodge
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.
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 TOP 10 Holiday Park 0800 808 292 723 Tarawera Road Rotorua
bluelaketop10.co.nz
Blue Lake TOP 10 is located to take advantage of 15 beautiful lakes around Rotorua. Walk around Lake Tikitapu and enjoy the view to Lake Rotokakahi. Enjoy a swim in Blue Lake or relax in the parks hot tub. Motels | Units | Cabins | Sites • BBQ Area • Children’s Playground • Jumping Pillow • Games Room • WiFi • Kayak Hire • Hot Tub
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A good walk warrants a reward. Feed your stomach at Rotorua’s Eat Streat, a strip of international dining venues, complete with retractable roof and heated flooring, or soak your muscles in mineral water. ‘Secret Spot’ features private cedar hot tubs hidden in the Whakarewarewa Forest.
90min return; 5.5km Basic fitness required Easy bush paths, few ups and downs Dogs on a leash
