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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: -39.43393, 175.51998. 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
- 30 min return
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Tongariro National Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. 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
Experience lakes, beech forest and plentiful bird life feature on this short walk.
This DOC directory entry covers Lake Rotokura Walk in Central North Island, within Tongariro National Park. 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: 30 min return
- 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 first lake you'll pass on the track is Dry Lake. Flat, grassed areas above the lake are perfect for family picnics.
The track continues past Dry Lake to Lake Rotokura. This lake is surrounded by ancient beech forest and on clear days Mount Ruapehu is reflected in the lake’s calm waters.
Getting there
12 km from Ohakune en route to Waiouru, turn off SH 49 onto Karioi Station Road. Drive 1 km to the Rotokura car park.
Know before you go
No drones
Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited.
Drone use on conservation land
Nature and conservation
Native birds such as tūī, kākā, bellbird, fantail and North Island robin are commonly seen or heard along the track to the lake.
History and culture
Rotokura is tapu (sacred healing waters) to Ngāti Rangi, the local Māori people or tangata whenua. Please respect this by not eating at or near Rotokura. Fishing is also prohibited.
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.
