Lake Rotopounamu
An easy walk of up to 6km, Lake Rotopounamu nestles into the western side of Mount Pihanga. 30kms from National Park off SH47, the parking area is signposted on the south side of Te Ponanga Saddle. Beginning opposite the parking area, the track winds gently uphill to the track junction. To walk around the lake, turn right and follow a short section of gravelled track before dropping down towards Five Minute Beach. For a shorter option, from the road, take the track up to the junction and turn left.
This short 20-minute walk will bring you to Ten Minute Beach, a pleasant picnic and swimming spot in summer.
Whakapapa Nature Walk
A lovely family-friendly 15 min loop track beginning 250m above the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre. See examples of the unique alpine flora of Tongariro National Park from the sealed loop track. A series of information panels explain the various zones of vegetation in the park.
