Last updated October 2026
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed the Eastern Ōkataina Walkway as closed: “Eastern Ōkataina Walkway is closed due to a large unstable slip.” DOC added that rock scaling and boulder work have increased the risk of further rockfall, and asked people to keep clear of the walkway and the lake edge along the forested margin from where the track starts.
When open, it runs south from the Lake Ōkataina car park at Tauranganui Bay to Humphries Bay on Lake Tarawera, through native bush with splendid lake views. DOC grades it Advanced and allows 3 hours one way. Check the DOC page for its status before planning a visit; the car park is about 15 km from Rotorua.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Eastern Ōkataina Walkway on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Lake Ōkataina car park at Tauranganui Bay, end of Lake Ōkataina Road
- Finish
- Humphries Bay, Lake Tarawera
- Distance from the city
- about 15 km from Rotorua
- Walking time
- 3 hr one way (when open)
- Track length
- 10.5 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (large unstable slip and rockfall risk). Check DOC for reopening.
About Eastern Ōkataina Walkway
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed the Eastern Ōkataina Walkway as closed under a long-term alert, and asks people to keep clear of the walkway and the lake edge along the forested margin from where the track starts, and to follow all ranger requests. Don’t plan to walk it until DOC lists it as open again.
When open, the walkway heads south from the Lake Ōkataina car park, passing Te Koutu Point and a large natural amphitheatre called the Soundshell, formed by volcanic rock cliffs. It continues through native bush with splendid views over the lake.
Side tracks lead down to the lake at Te Koutu, Kaiwaka Bay and Ōtangimoana Bay. After Ōtangimoana Bay the track leaves Lake Ōkataina and climbs overland before dropping down to Humphries Bay on Lake Tarawera. From there you can return the same way or continue to Tarawera Outlet on the Northern Tarawera Track.
Track Times
DOC gives these times for the walkway when it is open:
- Lake Ōkataina car park to the Soundshell: 10 min
- Soundshell to Kaiwaka Bay: 40 min
- Kaiwaka Bay to Ōtangimoana Bay: 1 hr 50 min
- Ōtangimoana Bay to Humphries Bay: 20 min
Hazards
As well as the slip that had closed the walkway when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC notes that a short section of the track suffers from occasional rockfalls, with signposts marking the hazard area.
When the track is open, do not stop on the track between those signs. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
Getting There
The walkway starts from the car park at the end of Lake Ōkataina Road. Lake Ōkataina Road leaves State Highway 30 (the Whakatāne to Rotorua highway) at Ruato, which DOC says is 22 km from Rotorua.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Eastern Ōkataina Walkway: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve: the reserve’s open tracks, access notes and alerts.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the weather and track alerts, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Eastern Ōkataina Walkway open?
Not when we checked on 18 October 2026. DOC said it was closed due to a large unstable slip, and asked people to keep clear of the walkway and the lake edge near the start. Check the DOC page for updates.
How long does the walkway take when it is open?
DOC allows 3 hours one way from the Lake Ōkataina car park to Humphries Bay.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced.
Where does it start?
At the Lake Ōkataina car park at Tauranganui Bay, at the end of Lake Ōkataina Road off State Highway 30 at Ruato.
What is the Soundshell?
A large natural amphitheatre formed by volcanic rock cliffs, about 10 minutes from the car park.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
What can I walk instead?
The Western Ōkataina Walkway and other tracks in Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve are listed separately by DOC. Check their DOC pages for current status.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.