Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Lake Rotohokahoka
Submitted by Mike Tennent
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 14
Gnarl Factor: 36
4.6km
12m
120m
688m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Mike Tennent
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 14
Gnarl Factor: 36
4.6km
12m
120m
688m
Back country - remote
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Lakeside
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +3.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.9%
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1:15
Slow
0:50
Moderate
0:35
Fast
This is a wee gem that most Rotorua runners would not even know exists. While there are no great views, it is a true trail runners delight as it is semi-technical, softish, seldom used trail that is just about all runnable.
Starting on South Road, head into the trail to the right of the sign... towards Lake Rotohokahoka..The trail is mostly well worn and well marked with DOC orange arrows. Really from there it is just a case of turn off the brain and enjoy the run until you reach the first sign with West Road Picnic area to the left and the Lake to the right which is the way we are going. You will pass another sign at the end of the Lake and again head right towards the lake. Once you reach the lake you have two choices... carry on as I have to South Road and then turn right and run the forestry road for 600m to your vehicle or you can retrace your steps and make it into a 7km run. Another option is to take the 3km route to West Road and back to add another 6km onto whichever you have chosen. I will do some more options out there when it is not over 30 degrees like today.
Small Lake (or large pond)
There is enough off-road parking for 2 or 3 cars... very surprising if you find anyone else there as most Rotovegans won't know this trail exists!
79 km
70 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Mostly the trail is very well marked with the ubiquitous orange triangles from DOC, however there are a few instances where you will have to stop and take your bearings as to where the next triangle is... often after some windfall has blocked the original track.
Non-existent.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map.
There is the lake, not sure how drinkable it would be. That was the only water I saw on the run.
There were signs that sevaral short patches of the trail would be very muddy in winter.
Lots of tree roots
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Lake Rotohokahoka
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This was a perfect little adventure for my 6yr old and I, We had loads of fun navigating over/around several fallen trees and heaps of fungi stops, taking lots of photos. lovely to hear to the birds out and the different terrain this track has to offer kept it exciting. was awesome. We walked it today with plenty of photo stops, it took us around 1hr45min. Good school holiday fun thanks Mike for sharing, i have driven past a few times and have always been put off doing it due to where the car park is being a remote area
July 6
I have to preface this review with the fact that the heavens opened just prior to, and during doing it.
It is a nice run, but very slippery and boggy when wet, and a lot of windfall at present. Not really muddy so much as the old watery slop.
Cool old run down hut near the end, and you get a lake (well a pond in my book)
September 13, 2022
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