Stroll through local scenic delights

With beautiful scenery  on your doorstep, here is a selection of must-do walking tracks Rotorua has to offer.
Violet Bonnington Track, 40 Paradise Valley Rd (on the way to the SG Equipment Paradise Valley Raceway).The track is part of a predator-free, 500ha sanctuary of conservation land on the upper slopes of Mt Ngongotaha. Distance: 3.5km. Takes 1.5 hours one-way.
Blue Lake Track begins at the north-western corner of the Blue Lake reserve, at the far end of the beach. The circuit allows views of Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Rotokakahi (Green Lake) through both native and exotic forest. Distance: 5.5km. Takes about two hours return.

Hinehopu/Hongi's Track is 20km north-east of Rotorua off SH 30. This historical track highlights the area's native forest and cultural importance. Take a picnic at Korokitewao Bay (Lake Rotoiti) for a swim. Distance: 2.2km. Takes 1 hour and 20 minutes one way.
Hamurana Springs Track is 15-20 minutes drive north-east from Rotorua central, on the left-hand side of Hamurana Rd. The track is famous for its crystal-clear fresh water spring and birdlife including chickens, ducks and swans. Distance: 2.2km. Takes 20 minutes one way.
Isthmus Track is located 26km south-east of Rotorua. Most visitors access Lake Rotomahana through Waimangu Volcanic Valley (Waimangu Rd, off SH 5). The track links Lakes Tarawera and Rotomahana and is an integral part of the Waimangu Round Trip. Distance: 1.2km. Takes 30 minutes one-way.

Lake Okataina Walking Tracks is located 22km north east of Rotorua on Okataina road off SH 30. Lake Okataina's Scenic Reserve provides a large range of walking opportunities from short and long routes.

Okere Falls Walking Track is located 21km from Rotorua on Trout Pool Rd off SH 33 (the Rotorua to Tauranga highway). The track provides views of the waterfalls of the Kaituna River and is the site of New Zealand's first hydro-electric power station. Distance: 1.2km. Takes 30 minutes one way. Warning  - currents are dangerous.


Rainbow Mountain Summit track is located 26km south-east of Rotorua, beside SH 5 (the Rotorua-Taupo highway). It showcases a complete 360-degree view over the region. Distance: 2.5km. Takes 1 hour and 30 minutes one way.

Tarawera Falls Track runs between the Waterfall Rd car park and the Outlet. From Whakatane turn off the River Road for about one 1km, then turn down Waterhouse St and go to T junction. Check out the waterfalls, where water surges out of a fissure in a high cliff face. Distance: 700m. Takes about 20 minutes one way.
Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track begins at the Tarawera Outlet swingbridge. Cross the bridge and take the right hand
track at the junction. The track meanders through the native bush, largely following the river. Distance - 5km. Takes about 2 hours one way.
Te Waihou Walkway is on SH 5 west towards Tirau, take the Putaruru turning on Whites Rd (SH 28). The downstream entrance at the Whites Rd layby is just past Leslie Rd. The Blue Spring end is 3.6km along Leslie Rd. The track is popular for its extremely clear and pure river, with its intense blue hue. Distance- 4.7km (one-way) plus 0.5km loop track. Takes about 1 hour 30 mins one way.