10 October 2026
Partly cloudy. Easterlies, dying out in the evening.
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1 / 5Kaweka Forest Park
Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (Kaweka Lakes) Track
A short walk to Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa, a nice picnic spot
Distance
2.3 km
Walking time
30 mins from Lakes carpark to Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (one way)
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Hawkes Bay forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Mainly fine, with areas of early morning fog. Showers developing in the afternoon, possibly heavy with thunderstorms and hail, clearing in the evening. Northwesterlies developing for a time in the morning and afternoon.
12 October 2026
Fine, then a few showers developing about the ranges in the afternoon. Northeasterlies developing for a time in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Mainly fine, but isolated showers in the afternoon. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Fine, but becoming cloudy in the evening. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (Kaweka Lakes) Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (Kaweka Lakes) Track
The track to Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa heads left from the carpark. It passes through kanuka and hardwood forest, and after 30 minutes branches left and descends to the western lake. The lakes were formed many thousands of years ago as a result of the damming of two streams by debris from a massive slip off Mt Kuripapango. Although small, the lakes are of considerable ecological and botanical significance, for the large number of plant species and vegetation types in the immediate surrounds. Although the level of the western lake fluctuates there is generally a sandy shoreline, where there is opportunity for picnics, fishing and walking. Visitors should take care not to damage the ecologically important flora and fauna surrounding the lakes by walking and trampling on the area. The track continues on beyond Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa to Kuripapango Road.
Getting there for Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (Kaweka Lakes) Track
Kuripapango is located 76 km from Napier on the Napier/Taihape Road. To reach the Lakes carpark, turn off the Napier-Taihape Road onto Kuripapango Road and follow the signs to Lakes carpark. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (Kaweka Lakes) Track
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only.
Before you walk Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (Kaweka Lakes) Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.