Hinehopu/Hongi's Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track highlights the area's incredible native forest and cultural importance. Beautiful beach at Korokitewao Bay (Lake Rotoiti) for swimming and picnicking.

This DOC directory entry covers Hinehopu/Hongi's Track in Bay of Plenty, within Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoma Scenic Reserves. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 2.2 km one way
• Walking time: 1 hr 30 min
• DOC grade: Easy

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The track runs from Korokitewao Bay (Lake Rotoiti) to Te Pōhue Bay (Lake Rotoehu), through a forest of rimu, tawa, pukatea and rewarewa. It leads to SH30 at the sacred matai, then a small loop track takes you back to the previous track or on to Lake Rotoehu (15 minutes from the sacred matai).

Korokitewao Bay provides a sandy beach, picnic tables, a children’s playground, toilets and crystal clear water.

In addition there are tranquil picnic spots around Lake Rotoiti. Whangaikorea (Honeymoon Bay) is a favourite spot, with toilets and a jetty. Two sites on Te Matarae i o Rehu provide secluded spots.

Getting there

Hinehopu's/Hongi's Track is 20 km north east of Rotorua off SH 30. It can be accessed by vehicle from either end, at Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoehu.

Whangaikorea (Honeymoon Bay) and Te Matarae i o Rehu can only be accessed by boat.

Know before you go

You need to be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on longer day walks. Ensure you have strong, comfortable boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. It is also advisable to leave your tramping intensions with a responsible person.

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

History and culture

The significance of this area lies in its important historic and scenic values.

The track which runs through the area has two names: Hinehopu’s Track and Hongi’s Track.

Originally it was named after the Maori chieftainess, Hinehopu, who lived in the area around 1620. Hinehopu kept two homes, one at Rotoiti and the other at Rotoehu and often travelled between the two lakes. The track and area between the two lakes was named after her.

The name Hongi was given to the area when the famous Ngapuhi warrior, Hongi, transferred his canoes from Lake Rotoehu to Lake Rotoiti in 1823 in order to perform a surprise raid on the Arawa people on Mokoia Island, Lake Rotorua.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.