This is an attractive, short (1.5km) lakeside loop-walk located at the southern end of Lake Rotorangi. The walkway crosses the 82m-high Pātea dam and through virgin bush filled with tawa and hīnau. A feature of the walkway is a grove of black beech or tawhairauriki, which flower in a burst of brilliant red in October and November. The campground located by the dam offers toilet facilities, showers, and tent sites.

Lake Rotorangi is the longest man-made lake in New Zealand at 46km and was created by the damming of the Pātea River. The dam is 82m high, which made it the fourth highest dam in New Zealand at the time of its construction. Travelling in an anticlockwise direction, the walkway sits above the shoreline and leads around a peninsula.

Key points of interest include:

  • Three carvings located at the dam site, all crafted from tōtara in the traditional Taranaki style by Pātea carvers, under the tutelage of Reverend Te Napi Waaka. They are Pou Tiaki, Rahui and a carved archway consisting of two amo (uprights) and two maihi (apex boards).
  • Crossing the dam from the carpark and entering a mixed podocarp and mānuka forest.
  • Stunning views of the lake on the northern side of the peninsula as the track gradually climbs to a high point, before descending back to the dam. There are seats to rest upon and enjoy the birds and bush, as well as views of the lake and the downstream river. 

For further information contact New Plymouth, Stratford or South Taranaki i-SITE Visitor Centre, or view the downloadable brochures from our website.

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