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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -38.65969, 175.87828. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 2 hr | 3 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Taupō area
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
The K2K and Orakau tracks both take you into the picturesque Kawakawa Bay; walk or ride the trails separately, or link them together for a longer day out.
This DOC directory entry covers Kawakawa Bay tracks in Central North Island, within Taupō area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 2 hr | 3 hr
- 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
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Kinloch to Kawakawa (K2K) track
Time (one way): 2 hr walk, 1 hr 30 min mountain bikeDistance: 9 km
The track to Kawakawa Bay begins at the western end of the beach to the right of the parking area. Glorious views feature as the track climbs from Whangamata Bay and sidles along the top of a broad cliff. The bush is dominated by rewarewa but look out for the giant matai too.
Once you reach the rocky lookout the track winds down into Kawakawa Bay. Here there is a shelter, toilet and plenty of opportunities for a swim or lakeside picnic.
Return via the same track, or link with the Orakau trail.
Orakau track
Time (one way): 3 hr walk, 1 hr mountain bikeDistance: 10 km
From the carpark on Whangamata Road, the trail follows the Orakau Stream and wetland through regenerating native bush down to the beach at Kawakawa Bay. The trail is generally downhill and offers views across Lake Taupō.
Return via the same track, or continue on to Kinloch via the K2K.
Getting there
Kinloch is a small lakeside settlement 24 km from Taupo. Travel north from Taupo on SH1 over the Waikato River, at the top of the hill turn left into Poihipi Road and follow signs to Kinloch.
To get to Orakahu car park, follow Kinloch Rd north, then turn west onto Whangamata Rd (approximately 10 km).
Know before you go
These tracks are part of the Great Lake Trail, for more information visit the Love Taupō website.
These are shared-use tracks. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
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.
