Pukawa Bay walks

Pukawa to Omori

• Time: 1 hr 20 min one way
• Distance: 1.4 km 

Begins at the end of Kaiuru Avenue in Pukawa village. The track wanders through the bush along the edge of Lake Taupō on an easy gradient. Bellbird and tūī are often seen in the trees above, and from time to time glimpses of nearby Lake Taupō. The track emerges at Omori Reserve on the edge of the lake where there is a picnic area, toilet, and shingle beach.

The reserve is notable for the kōwhai trees which create a splash of bright yellow when flowering. Aluminum bands have been placed around some kohuhu trees to prevent possums from climbing up to eat the palatable native mistletoe.

The track continues on over the Omori Stream where in winter spawning trout may be seen. It's another 10 minutes to the end of the track at the Omori boat ramp. Popular with dog owners, be sure to pay attention to the local signs regarding dogs on council land around the lake.

Pukawa Bush Walk

• Time: 45 min loop
• Distance: 1.2 km

Begins on Hauraki Terrace, off Pukawa Road. The track entrance is just past Rereao Lane.

The track is usually walked in an anti-clockwise direction. It climbs up through Pukawa Bush above the village on a well-graded route. A short way up there is a lookout with views over the village and lake. The lush podocarp forest contains large rimu, mataī and tōtara trees. Birdlife is a feature of this area and in particular bellbird and tūī which frequent this part of the bush.

The bush gradually changes to a rewarewa/kamahi forest and near the top opens out to a magnificent view of Lake Taupō and the surrounding countryside. Descending again, the last part of the track follows the route of the old Pukawa Road. The track ends on Rereao Lane, which you can follow back to your starting point.

Upper Pukawa Walk

This is a safe alternative to walking down the main Pukawa Road into the village. The track starts off at the top of Hauraki Terrace, then goes onto Rereao Lane - follow Taupō District Council signs on to the water tank road. At the top, veer to your left and follow the track through the bush to the top of the Pukawa Road and SH41.

Using Rereao Lane

Rereao Lane, which is used when walking the Pukawa Bush Walk and the Upper Pukawa Walk, is private property. Its use by walkers is at the discretion of the owners. Walkers must follow direction signs back down to Hauraki Terrace, respect the privacy of the owners, and keep dogs on a leash at all times.

Getting there

Pukawa village is a 15-minute drive west of Tūrangi, signposted to the right off SH41. Public parking and toilets are available on the waterfront reserve.

Nature and conservation

Both the Pukawa Wildlife Management Trust and the Omori-Kurutau Pest Management Group work in the area with the aim of protecting the bush, and bringing back the birds. The results of their extensive pest control work can be experienced today, with visitors to the area often amazed at the number and variety of native birds they see and hear.

Source: Department of Conservation