Rotoiti Loop The LakeIntermediate

Description

From the eastern side of Kerr Bay pick up the Lakehead Track and keep right at the three track junctions that you encounter over the first 2 kms. The trail undulates gently through beautiful beech forest, crossing a couple of rocky is streams where care should be taken to locate the marker pole on the far side before crossing.
After around 10k you'll reach Lakeside Hut and bear right across open ground following the orange marker poles to the Travers River (usually braided into 2 or 3 sections.) Cross with care and pick up the orange marker pole on the far side to join up with the Lower Travers Valley Track.
Turn right to reach Coldwater Hut after another km or so. The trail on this western side is a bit rougher than the eastern side, but still undulates gently through gorgeous bush. After another 2.5kms (or thereabouts) there is a very worthwhile side trip to Whisky Falls - a short, sharp uphill to these spectacular falls.
Continuing along the western side of the lake for another 3+ kms you will eventually start to climb gently away from the lake and after another couple of kms will hit the gravel road.
Turn right and follow downhill to cross the start of the Buller River and soon reach West Bay. Here the road veers away from the lake and you leave it to pick up the Peninsula Nature Walk. Keep right at the next junction and follow this well-made trail around the peninsula to emerge at the western edge of Kerr Bay. Cross the open area back to the road and your car.

Features of interest

A stunning circuit around an iconic lake with beautiful views.
Whisky Falls is a very worthwhile short detour off the route.

Make Up of Run

Technical Single Track: 12.5%

Moderate Single Track: 35%

Easy Single Track: 45%

Gravel Road: 7.5%

Route Data