Eastern Okataina Walkway

Lake Okataina Carpark (Tauranganui Bay) to Humphries Bay (Lake Tarawera)

The track heads south, passing Te Koutu Point and a large natural amphitheatre named the Soundshell, formed by volcanic rock cliffs. The track continues meandering through native bush, offering splendid lake views.

There are several options to branch off the track and head down to the lake at Te Koutu, Kaiwaka Bay and Ōtangimoana Bay.

From Ōtangimoana Bay, the track climbs away from Lake Ōkataina overland and then descends into Humphries Bay on Lake Tarawera.

Return the same way or continuing to Tarawera Outlet along the Northern Tarawera Track.

Track times

• Lake Ōkataina car park to Soundshell, 10 min
• Soundshell to Kaiwaka Bay, 40 min
• Kaiwaka Bay to Ōtangimoana Bay, 1 hr 50 min
• Ōtangimoana Bay to Humphries Bay, 20 min

Getting there

The track starts from the car park at the end of Lake Okataina Road. Turn onto Lake Okataina Road from SH 30 (Whakatane/ Rotorua highway) at Ruato, 22 km from Rotorua.

Source: Department of Conservation