By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -38.12852, 176.18901. 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
- 2.5 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hr
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve
- 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
This short walk is close to Rotorua and showcases the beautiful flora and fauna of Mt Ngongotaha. It is ideal for families or school groups.
This DOC directory entry covers Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop Track in Bay of Plenty, within Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 2.5 km loop
- Walking time: 1 hr
- DOC grade: Easiest
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 Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop is an easy bush loop track, beginning and finishing at Violet Bonnington Reserve.
The loop walk ascends through beautiful native bush, where you can listen to the sounds of native birds. Along the track, interpretation panels provide detailed information about the natural and cultural features of Mt Ngongotaha and the surrounding area.
Other features along the loop track include a 40-metre tall rātā and a scenic lookout with panoramic views looking across Rotorua City, Mount Tarawera and surrounds.
Biking not permitted.
Getting there
The Nature Loop Track is accessed 300 m along the Jubilee Track. It starts from the Violet Bonnington Reserve – located at the Rotorua end of Paradise Valley Rd, 200 metres from Clayton/Paradise Valley Road intersection.
It is a 15 min drive from the city centre.
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.
