Our walk to Kawakawa Bay began at the western end of Kinloch beach to the right of the car park. We enjoyed awesome views while we climbed from Whangamata Bay and sidles along the top of a broad cliff. 

After we walked to the lookout where the photo of me was taken above, the track winds down into Kawakawa Bay. There is a shelter and toilet here along with a camp site for tents. It’s a great place for a swim if you’re here in the summer. We brought our lunch and sat by the lake edge, there wasn’t a breath of wind, the water was a smooth as. 

We went for a little walk further along the lake edge then turned around and returned via the same track. There is an option to carry on on the Orakau trail, we haven’t done this walk yet.

  • Location: Kinloch, near Taupo, North Island, New Zealand
  • Distance: 9 km
  • Time needed: 2 hours one way or 4 hours return
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Mountain Bike: Yes, this is part of the Great Lake Trail. 1 hour one way on a bike.
  • Wheelchair Access: No
  • Route: Double back, return
  • Elevation: Not sure
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: Yes
  • Dogs: Yes, dogs are allowed
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes
  • Last Updated: Jan 2022

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