Last updated November 2026
The Rotorua Walkway is a 26 km network of paths built by the council that strings together the lakefront, the geothermal edge of Sulphur Bay and the Puarenga and Utuhina streams in and around central Rotorua.
Rotorua Lakes Council lists ten named sections, from a 10-minute section on Pukeroa Hill to the 45-minute Puarenga section that ends at the Whakarewarewa village gateway. Because the sections join one another and have several entry and exit points, you can walk a single short stretch or link a few into a longer outing.
Practical Information
- Start
- Many entry points around central Rotorua, including the lakefront, Pukeroa Hill, Kuirau Park and the Puarenga and Utuhina streams
- Distance from the city
- About 1 km from central Rotorua; most sections are within the city
- Walking time
- 10 to 50 minutes for most sections (council times); the Utuhina time is unclear
- Track length
- 26 km in total
- Sections
- Pukeroa Hill, Rotorua Lakefront, Motutara, Te Arikiroa, Puarenga, Rotorua Tree Trust, Utuhina, Kuirau Park, Mangakakahi and Otamatea
- Dogs
- Not stated on the council’s walkway page or brochure
- Track type
- Urban walkway: paths, lakefront boardwalk and stream-side tracks
- Managed by
- Rotorua Lakes Council
- Status
- Check with Rotorua Lakes Council before you go.
About Rotorua Walkway
Rather than a single trail, the Rotorua Walkway is a chain of shorter routes that together cover 26 km. The council’s brochure says the walkway was developed by the council with help from the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust and the Department of Conservation, and its map legend marks toilets, parking, lookouts, history points, wildlife viewing, geothermal areas and entry and exit points along the way. Pick a section that suits the time you have, or join several for a longer walk across the city.
The ten sections and the council’s walking times are:
- Pukeroa Hill: 10 minutes
- Rotorua Lakefront: 20 minutes
- Motutara: 25 minutes
- Te Arikiroa: 15 minutes
- Puarenga: 45 minutes
- Rotorua Tree Trust: 40 minutes
- Utuhina: see below
- Kuirau Park: 20 minutes
- Mangakakahi: 50 minutes, from Bloomfield Street to Old Taupo Road and Pukuatua Street
- Otamatea: 30 minutes, from Pegasus Drive to the Utuhina Walkway
The council’s brochure prints the Utuhina time as “2:45mins” (the council page gives the same figure), which could be read more than one way, so allow plenty of time for that section or check with the council. The council page also describes the walkway as eight sections while listing ten.
Lakefront and Sulphur Bay
The lakefront sections are the easiest place to start. From the lakefront promenade the brochure points out Mokoia Island out in the middle of Lake Rotorua.
The lakefront boardwalk was finished in stages: the council opened the final stage in August 2022, joining the eastern and western ends into one connected path, with an extra 50 m of boardwalk built out over the water at the western end.
The Motutara and Te Arikiroa sections follow the shore of Sulphur Bay, which the brochure describes as a wildlife refuge with geothermal features. Two warnings from the council apply here.
Sulphur Point is described as very dangerous, and walkers are told to stay on the path at all times. Rocky Point is a wildlife refuge, and unauthorised access is not permitted.
Along the Streams
The Puarenga section follows the Puarenga Stream past geothermal features. The brochure notes that, along the stream banks, geothermal action has silicified ancient timber.
The route goes under the Te Ngae Road bridge, which means you don’t have to cross that busy road, and finishes at the Whakarewarewa village gateway. The Rotorua Tree Trust section, an area where trees are dedicated, includes the Soka Gakkai International Peace Monument.
The Utuhina section follows a trout-fishing stream through residential suburbs and reserves and passes under the Old Taupo Road bridge. It has branches up the Otamatea and Mangakakahi tributaries, which are the walkway’s two outer sections. The Kuirau Park section crosses a park the brochure puts at about 30 hectares, with many geothermal features.
Geothermal Areas
Much of the walkway runs close to active ground. The council’s brochure asks walkers to keep to the tracks at all times because of the geothermal nature of the area, and notes that Kuirau Park’s geothermal features are unstable and can change, so stay on the walkway there. Keep children close and keep to the marked paths in these areas.
Riding the Utuhina Stream Shared Path
Rotorua Lakes Council lists the Utuhina Stream Shared Path among its family-friendly bike rides, calling it a “scenic ride into town” for people living in Springfield, Hillcrest and Fordlands.
The family rides page gives 4 to 6 km one way from Devon Street West or Malfroy Road to Old Taupo Road, while the council’s urban biking guide gives 4 km and about 15 minutes. From Old Taupo Road, the council suggests you can extend the ride to Kuirau Park.
The council pitches the ride at older children, calling it “a terrific way to introduce older children to cycling as a way to get around”. It is a shared path, so keep your speed down, ride to the conditions and give people on foot room. Check the council’s family rides page before you go.
Where to Learn More
Rotorua Lakes Council: Travel on foot: the walkway’s sections, times and map.
Rotorua Lakes Council: Rotorua Walkway brochure (PDF): section descriptions, history points and geothermal warnings.
Rotorua Lakes Council: Family-friendly bike rides: the Utuhina Stream path and the council’s other easy rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Rotorua Walkway?
The council gives 26 km in total, split into ten named sections.
How long does each section take?
Council times range from 10 minutes for Pukeroa Hill to 50 minutes for Mangakakahi. The Utuhina time is printed unclearly, so allow extra time for it.
Where can I start?
There are many entry and exit points. The lakefront is an easy place to begin, and other sections start at Pukeroa Hill, Kuirau Park, Bloomfield Street and Pegasus Drive.
Does the walkway go to Whakarewarewa?
Yes. The Puarenga section follows the Puarenga Stream and ends at the Whakarewarewa village gateway.
Can I take my dog?
The council’s walkway page and brochure don’t give a dog rule. Check Rotorua Lakes Council’s dog rules for the area you plan to walk.
Are there geothermal hazards?
Yes. Keep to the tracks at all times, especially at Sulphur Point, which the council describes as very dangerous, and in Kuirau Park, where the geothermal features are unstable and can change.
Where can I check if the track is open?
Check with Rotorua Lakes Council before you go.
How long is the Utuhina Stream Shared Path by bike?
The council gives 4 to 6 km one way on its family rides page, and 4 km and about 15 minutes in its urban biking guide.
Is the Utuhina Stream Shared Path good for kids on bikes?
The council suggests it for older children, as a way to introduce them to getting around by bike.
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