Last updated October 2026
The Western Ōkataina Walkway is a long shared walking and mountain biking track through Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve, linking Te Ruato Bay on Lake Rotoiti with Millar Road on Lake Ōkāreka.
Along the way it passes through Patotara Crater, the Outdoor Education Centre on Lake Ōkataina Road and an optional side track to Whakapoungakau Trig, with views over the lakes to the coast on a sunny day.
DOC grades it Advanced and allows about 7 hours end to end. You can walk or bike it in either direction, or join it at the Outdoor Education Centre. The walkway is about 14 km from Rotorua as the crow flies.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Western Ōkataina Walkway on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Te Ruato Bay on State Highway 30 (Lake Rotoiti), Millar Road (Lake Ōkāreka), or the Outdoor Education Centre on Lake Ōkataina Road
- Distance from the city
- about 14 km from Rotorua (DOC gives 21 km by road to Te Ruato Bay and 11 km to Millar Road)
- Walking time
- About 7 hr one way, plus 40 min return for Whakapoungakau Trig
- Track length
- 22.5 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track (shared with mountain bikers)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Western Ōkataina Walkway
The walkway crosses the hills on the western side of Lake Ōkataina, joining three of Rotorua’s lakes in one trip.
From the Te Ruato Bay car park on Lake Rotoiti, you climb steeply for about 15 minutes to a ridge with good views of Lake Rotoiti. The track then follows an old forestry road down into Patotara Crater, known as the Bull Ring.
Out of the crater, you come out on Lake Ōkataina Road, or branch right along the Rongomai Track to the Outdoor Education Centre. From the centre, continue through the whakaruruhau, or shelter.
About 10 minutes on, the Waipungapunga Track heads left down to Lake Ōkataina Road and the lake, while the walkway continues right. DOC warns this stretch is steep in places, with a surface that can be rough and uneven.
About 2 hours from the Education Centre, a side track leads to Whakapoungakau Trig, about 40 minutes return. DOC says it is well worth the effort, with amazing views over Lake Ōkataina, Rotorua and Rotoiti, and all the way to the coast on a sunny day. From the trig junction, the walkway continues to Millar Road on Lake Ōkāreka.
Track Sections and Times
- Te Ruato Bay to the Outdoor Education Centre: 2 hr
- Outdoor Education Centre to the Whakapoungakau junction: 2 hr
- Whakapoungakau Trig Track: 40 min return
- Whakapoungakau junction to Millar Road: 3 hr
Mountain Biking
The walkway is open for both walking and mountain biking, and DOC suggests riders start from Millar Road for an exhilarating downhill from Whakapoungakau Trig all the way to the Outdoor Education Centre. It is a shared-use track, so follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Getting There and Safety
Start at Te Ruato Bay on State Highway 30, Lake Rotoiti, which DOC says is 21 km from Rotorua, or at Millar Road on Lake Ōkāreka, 11 km from Rotorua.
You can also join the walkway from the Outdoor Education Centre on Lake Ōkataina Road. Because the two ends are far apart, arrange transport if you plan to walk the whole track one way.
Carry water, food and warm and waterproof layers. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Western 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 other 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
How long does the Western Ōkataina Walkway take?
DOC’s section times add up to about 7 hours from Te Ruato Bay to Millar Road, plus 40 minutes return for Whakapoungakau Trig.
How hard is it?
It is graded Advanced. The climb from Te Ruato Bay is steep, and later sections are steep in places with rough, uneven ground.
Where does it start?
At Te Ruato Bay on State Highway 30 (Lake Rotoiti) or Millar Road (Lake Ōkāreka). You can also join it at the Outdoor Education Centre on Lake Ōkataina Road.
Can I mountain bike it?
Yes. It is a shared-use track, and DOC suggests starting from Millar Road for a long downhill from the trig to the Outdoor Education Centre.
Is the Whakapoungakau Trig side trip worth it?
DOC says it is well worth the effort, with views over Lake Ōkataina, Rotorua and Rotoiti and out to the coast on a sunny day.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
Is the walkway open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no current alerts for this walkway, while the separate Eastern Ōkataina Walkway was closed. Check the DOC page for current alerts before you go.
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.