11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy, clearing in the afternoon with increasing fine spells. Northerlies, turning westerly in the afternoon.
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1 / 6Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve
Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop Track
This short walk is close to Rotorua and showcases the beautiful flora and fauna of Mt Ngongotaha. It is ideal for families or school groups.
Distance
3.5 km
Walking time
1 hr
Difficulty
Easiest
Dogs
Not allowed
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
Rotorua forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 11:01 pm
12 October 2026
Cloudy, with rain in the morning and afternoon. Northwesterlies developing for a time in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
A few showers. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
15 October 2026
Rain developing. Northerlies, turning westerly.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop Track
The first part of the loop track follows an easy grade through unlogged native bush. After about 10 minutes into the bush, visitors can see one of the largest rātā trees in the Bay of Plenty and known to locals as “Pat”. You may see native birds such as kaka (parrot), tui and korimako (bellbirds) which love the nectar of the rātā flowers. Past this tree, a sign-posted intersection directs you to where the Nature Loop Track begins. After 1.3km, the Nature Loop Track crosses the Jubilee Track , which climbs to the summit of Mt Ngongotaha. The Loop Track continues on, looping back onto the Jubilee Track after a further 1.2km. The two tracks then join from this point with a short walk back to Pat and subsequent return down to the carpark.
Getting there for Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop Track
The Nature Loop Track starts from the Violet Bonnington Reserve – located at the Rotorua end of Paradise Valley Rd, 200 metres from Clayton/Paradise Valley Road intersection. It is a 15 min drive from the city centre. 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 . We recommend trying these 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 Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop 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.