Last Updated: 17th Apr 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Lake Rotopounamu

Turangi, Waikato

Submitted by Mike Tennent

Last Updated: 17th Apr 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 8 ?

Gnarl Factor: 19 ?

5.9km

160m

160m

766m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Beach

Lakeside

Run Makeup

90%
10%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.5%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

0:50

Slow

0:40

Moderate

0:30

Fast

Very straightforward, Run starts off with just under 1km straight up a steady incline for about 100m vert gain. Just before the top is a trail split, you can go either way, however I went the way indicated on the sign (to the right for an anti-clockwise loop). Then just follow the trail. the only side trails are a few to the left to the lakeshore, feel free to explore any of these, you cannot get lost. When I first did this trail many moons ago it was a lot more technical, however it is now pretty much a 'tourist trail' now. Still a nice way to stretch the legs.

Lots of birdlife.... including heaps of Pururu, native robin, various waterfowl. Nice wee lake.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

There is a good size carpark over the road from the entrance to the trail

11 km

9 minutes

No

No

Easy.

Non-existent.

Windproof jacket, Gloves, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

A whole lake full... not sure how safe.

Supposedly the lake can get so full that the beach section of the run becomes unpassable... however I was there after several days of rain and lake was still quite low.

Skotel
Behind the Chateau in Whakapapa Village
https://www.skotel.co.nz/
Excellent food, lovely bar with a warm fire after winter running and splendid hosts!

Trail Legend

Dylan Arthur

Dylan Arthur

has completed Lake Rotopounamu 7 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great road trip stop!

Emma Dryland

August 26, 2023

Nice speedy track which hasn't been impacted by Cyclone Gabby at all.

Anthony Sowerby

February 26, 2023

Delightful little loop round a lake that feels like it's in the middle of nowhere. Brush up on your knowledge of NZ trees and enjoy the sound of robins and other native birds. Watch out for the kereru!

Pip Guthrey

October 19, 2021

Great trail, very scenic with enough ups and downs to keep it interesting.

Jed Glasgow

May 24, 2021

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