New Zealand Walk: Hamilton Lake Walkway a

Hamilton Lake Walkway a popular walking route

An easy walking or cycling trail situated in the heart of Hamilton City, the Hamilton Lake Domain Walkway is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists alike.

The esplanade walkway around the lake is a popular fitness circuit and walking route.

The walk around the edge of Hamilton Lake (Rotoroa) covers 3.8 kilometres and winds through natural lakeside vegetation, past playgrounds and grassed parkland as well as the Verandah Cafe which is the perfect place to relax with a coffee after some exercise.

Hamilton Lake (also known as Lake Rotoroa) walkway includes varied natural lakeside vegetation, grassed parklands perfect for a picnic, a boardwalk section, playgrounds and a café.

The walkway is mostly flat making it suitable for pushchairs and is also a popular dog walking spot.

Birdlife also flourish in the Hamilton Lake area with ducks, pukeko, geese and other birdlife all easily spotted around the lake.

The Hamilton Lake Walkway can be accessed from various points, with the main carparks off Ruakiwi Road and Lake Cresent (Innes Common).

It’s a great option for less mobile people as there is seating available regularly around the entire lake.

Hamilton Lake Domain has a long history as one of Hamilton’s premiere parks. It is a significant recreational facility for residents of Hamilton City and beyond within walking distance from the CBD.

Hamilton Lake Domain provides a focal point for a variety of water and land based activities as well as offering a unique ecological environment in the heart of Hamilton City.

Lake Rotoroa caters for water based recreational activities such as yachting, wind surfing, canoeing, paddle boats, model boats, dragon boating, waka ama, raft racing and a range of informal activities like feeding ducks or fishing.

Above left: Yachts make a pretty picture on the lake. Middle right: The pathway is popular with cyclists. Below left and right: A popular section of the pathway.