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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: -38.18270, 176.08642. 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
- 4 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 2 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Mokaihaha Ecological Area
- 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
Large podocarps and a chance to hear kaka and other native birdlife while walking along the Mokaihaha Track which takes you past Lake Rotohokahoka.
This DOC directory entry covers Mokaihaha Track in Bay of Plenty, within Mokaihaha Ecological 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: 4 km return via same track
- Walking time: 2 hr
- DOC grade: Advanced
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 from the South Road carpark leads to Lake Rotohokahoka (20 minutes) and West Road (2 hours). Ten minutes walk from the carpark, the track divides; both tracks lead down to the lake and connect up again. The main track then continues past the lake and towards West Road. Along this section of the track there is an option of taking a signposted side-track off to your left, which after 30 minutes will bring you back out onto South Road, approximately 15 minutes walk from the South Road carpark.
Getting there
Mokaihaha Ecological Area is situated on the Mamaku Plateau, 9.6 km south-east of Mamaku township. From Rotorua follow SH5 (the main Rotorua-Hamilton highway) for 1 km. Turn left up Dansey road to Mamaku. At the end of this road turn left by Mamaku School and follow South road for 9.6 km until you reach the track sign on the right (west) side of the road. This is the start of the track, which ends at West road.
West road is found approximately 3 km further down South road. Due to its rough surface and particularly in wet weather, it is recommended only for 4 wheel-drive vehicles.
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 intentions with a responsible person, in case you get lost.
This track is not suitable for mountain biking.
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.
