3250 - Lake Okareka

This walk goes around Lake Okareka, near Blue Lake in Rotorua. The track is a diverse 9km walk, ranging from easy to moderate terrain. It is approx. a 1hr 40 drive to our carpark.

This trip will start from Boyes Reserve with the first 40min following streets to the start of the Walkway. It is a well-graded track to Silver Beach taking about 1hr (allowing for some time in the wetlands). Soon after starting on the Walkway, we come to a boardwalk thru the wetlands. Here, there is a shed with many viewing windows to view the many variety of water birds. We will probably stop at Silver Beach for lunch.

 

From Silver Beach to the Lake Okareka Campsite, the track becomes more of a tramping track but still well-graded. From Silver Beach it is a short walk to the Outlet, from where there is a bridge across the Outlet. From the Outlet to the Campsite, the track becomes undulating while we sidle thru the bush section. Time on this section is about 1hr.

 

From Lake Okareka Campsite (and toilets) it is a 20min walk back to the Carpark on a well-graded walking track. We can add another 10min on this time on a side track to a viewing point across the Lake. Plenty of birdlife and birdsong to enjoy.

 

Walking time: Will be about 4hrs 30. This will allow time at the wetlands and breaks.

We pass four toilets so, this should cover any personnel needs.