Last Updated: 27th May 2026

Beginner - Intermediate

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Lake Okareka Full Loop

Wetlands, boardwalks and techy rooty forest goodness.

Submitted by Ian Viljoen

Last Updated: 27th May 2026

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 13 ?

Gnarl Factor: 49 ?

9.5km

235m

230m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

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Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Beach

Lakeside

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

10%
10%
10%
20%
50%

Sealed Road

Gravel / Boardwalk

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +4.90%

Average Downhill Gradient: -4.80%

Garmin Course

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Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:30

Slow

1:30

Moderate

1:00

Fast

It starts off at Lake Okareka Reserve and Walkway onto Acacia road. You will go uphill until you get to a carpark at the top of the hill (to your right). You will see a view of the lake from the carpark. A gravel path from there leads onto the wetland boardwalk.

After the boardwalk you will go on a gravel path along the side of the lake. There are two stair sections, a bit of bush, then you will hit the bridge (Iron Nella Bridge). After the bridge is the bush section.

There are lots of roots and interesting features to explore, a stunning forest section. When you exit the forest you will go through the Lake Okareka Campsite onto a tidy gravel path and a boardwalk before you get to the Boyes Beach park area.

From here you will go through a short bush clearing before going onto the road section which goes all the way back to the start (starting on Steep St, left on Okareka Loop Rd and then left back onto Acacia Rd).

Lots of different birdlife as you progress through the route.

Public toilets at the start (Lake Okareka Reserve and Walkway).

There are carparks at the start.

12 km

20 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Generally good.

Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries

At the start, Okareka campsite, as well as Boyes Beach.

Very rooty on some sections. It makes it fun, but watch your step.

Do you have a suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.

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