Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve is a DOC-managed reserve on the volcanic dome of Ngongotahā that overlooks Rotorua from the west, rising to 757 metres. The reserve has two walking tracks that can be combined or done separately: the easy Mt Ngongotahā Nature Loop Track, a bush circuit through native forest, and the Mt Ngongotahā Jubilee Track, which climbs to the summit for views over Rotorua and the lake district. Both tracks start from the Violet Bonnington Reserve at the Rotorua end of Paradise Valley Road, about 15 minutes by car from the city centre. Entry is free.
Practical Information
| Location | Violet Bonnington Reserve, Paradise Valley Road — approximately 15 minutes from central Rotorua |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
| Nature Loop Track | Easy bush loop; begins and ends at Violet Bonnington Reserve; through native forest |
| Jubilee Track | Moderate–challenging; to the 757m summit; approximately 2 hours 45 minutes return total (combined tracks) |
| Entry | Free |
| Summit elevation | 757 metres above sea level |
The Nature Loop Track
The Mt Ngongotahā Nature Loop is an easy bush track that begins at Violet Bonnington Reserve and circuits through native bush, ascending gradually through the lower slopes of the mountain. The track passes through forest with information boards about local wildlife, and provides good opportunities to hear and see native birds — tūī, korimako (bellbird), and kākā (parrot) are all present on Ngongotahā, attracted in part by the nectar of the large rātā trees in the reserve. Approximately 10 minutes into the bush, one of the largest rātā trees in the Bay of Plenty region — known to locals as “Pat” — can be seen beside the track.
The Jubilee Track to the Summit
The Jubilee Track continues beyond the Nature Loop to the summit at 757 metres, combining with the Nature Loop for a full round trip of approximately two hours and 45 minutes. The upper sections are steeper and more demanding, with the track well-marked through native bush. The summit of Ngongotahā is occupied by telecommunications infrastructure, but the elevation gives wide views over Rotorua — the lake directly below, the central North Island volcanic plateau, and on clear days the Tongariro peaks to the south.
Ngongotahā is a volcanic dome — its rounded shape is characteristic of a lava dome that formed from viscous rhyolite lava rather than an explosive eruption, and the bush-covered slopes give no obvious indication of this volcanic origin from the forest floor.
“The Ngongotaha Jubilee Track is a great half-day walk from Rotorua — native bush the whole way, good birdlife, and a satisfying climb to the summit. The rātā tree ‘Pat’ near the bottom is worth the trip alone.” — visitor account
Where to Learn More
DOC — Mt Ngongotahā Jubilee Track — official track information, grade, and access details.
DOC — Mt Ngongotahā Nature Loop Track — official track information for the easy loop.
Rotorua NZ — Mt Ngongotahā Nature Track — local visitor information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve?
The track starts from the Violet Bonnington Reserve at the Rotorua end of Paradise Valley Road — approximately 15 minutes by car from the Rotorua city centre.
How long does the Jubilee Track take?
The combined Nature Loop and Jubilee Track to the summit takes approximately two hours and 45 minutes return. The Nature Loop alone is a shorter, easier circuit.
Is the walk free?
Yes — both tracks in Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve are free DOC walks with no entry fee.
What native birds can I see?
Tūī, korimako (bellbird), and kākā are all present on Ngongotahā. The native forest provides habitat for several species, and the large rātā trees attract birds during flowering.
What is “Pat” the rātā tree?
A very large rātā tree approximately 10 minutes into the bush from the Violet Bonnington Reserve car park — one of the largest rātā trees in the Bay of Plenty region, and a local landmark on the Nature Loop.
What are the views from the summit?
From the 757m summit of Ngongotahā there are views over Rotorua and Lake Rotorua, the surrounding lake district, and on clear days the Tongariro volcanic peaks to the south.
Mount Ngongotaha is on the western side of Rotorua. See the Rotorua parks and reserves guide for other walking options, and the Paradise Valley Springs guide for the wildlife park on the same road.
