Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (Kaweka Lakes) Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

A short walk to Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa, a nice picnic spot

This DOC directory entry covers Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (Kaweka Lakes) Track in Hawke's Bay, within Kaweka Forest 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: 2.3 km from Lakes carpark to Kuripapango Road one way
• Walking time: 30 mins from Lakes carpark to Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (one way)
• 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 with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The track to Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa heads left from the carpark. It passes through kanuka and hardwood forest, and after 30 minutes branches left and descends to the western lake. The lakes were formed many thousands of years ago as a result of the damming of two streams by debris from a massive slip off Mt Kuripapango. Although small, the lakes are of considerable ecological and botanical significance, for the large number of plant species and vegetation types in the immediate surrounds.

Although the level of the western lake fluctuates there is generally a sandy shoreline, where there is opportunity for picnics, fishing and walking. Visitors should take care not to damage the ecologically important flora and fauna surrounding the lakes by walking and trampling on the area.

The track continues on beyond Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa to Kuripapango Road.

Getting there

Kuripapango is located 76 km from Napier on the Napier/Taihape Road. To reach the Lakes carpark, turn off the Napier-Taihape Road onto Kuripapango Road and follow the signs to Lakes carpark.

Kaweka Forest Park access conditions

We recommend 4WD vehicles to reduce wear on the road and safe travel.

• Lotkow Road: The river crossings are regularly changing, check before crossing.

• Lakes carpark is accessible via Kuripapango road. The previous access Castle Rock road is now closed due to ongoing forestry operations.

• Lawrence Carpark access road: The last 600 m of the road is steep and not recommended for 2WD vehicles - a parking space is available before the descent. The Lawrence swing bridge has been removed.

• Mackintosh car park is currently closed due to ongoing forestry operations. A new parking location can be located at a skid site near the closed gate (end of Kuripapango Road), this will add on 500 m walking to reach the start of the track.

• Whittle Road: Be aware of trucks using the quarry. Give them right of way where possible.

Know before you go

Be ready for mountain weather

This is a mountainous area. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Check the weather before you go. Kaweka J Summit weather forecast

Packing lists

Fires

Extreme fire conditions can exist during summer. The park is a restricted fire area, which means permits to light fires are required all year round.

Know the rules for trout fishing

The introduced brown trout are present in the lakes and on the larger lake provide all year round fishing opportunities. Dry fly fishing is popular during the heat of the summer months as fish feed on the surface. Spinners may also be used. The smaller lake is only open for fishing from 1 October until 30 April and there is a daily bag limit of four fish. A current fishing license from Fish and Game New Zealand is required for anyone who fishes on these lakes.

The trout in these lakes are small because of the very low water temperatures and nutrient-poor water.

Maps

The Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) topographical maps that cover the Kaweka Forest Park are:

Topo50 map BH36 - MotutereTopo50 map BH37 - RangitaikiTopo50 map BH38 - Te HarotoTopo50 map BJ36 - Tawake TohungaTopo50 map BJ37 - Kuripapango Topo50 map BJ38 - Te PohueTopo50 map BK37 - Tikokino

Nature and conservation

Although small (about 5 and 8 hectares), Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa and their surrounds host over 280 native plan species, including several that are uncommon and nationally significant.

History and culture

Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa, sometimes called Twin Lakes, were formed many thousands of years ago after a massive slip from the slopes of Kuripapango filled the valley and blocked the path of two minor streams. Only the western lake as an outflow – a small underground stream emerging some 500 m to the south. It has a fluctuating water level, whereas the east lake is relatively stable. However, the eastern lake may periodically overflow into the slightly lower western lake.

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.