This scenic walk starts and ends at Rotorua’s Lakefront. Follow the well constructed, wide boardwalk until you cut across the side of the golf course. Continue on the path until you reach the Polynesian Spa.
Walk back around the front of the Tutor Towers and Government Gardens. Enjoy views of the lake, geothermal steam, hot pools, and rich Maori history.
| Location: | Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, North Island |
| Distance: | 4.7 km |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Difficulty: | Super easy |
| Elevation: | Flat walking |
| Track Quality: | Excellent with concrete paths and dirt |
| Mountain bikes?: | no |
| Wheelchair access?: | yes |
| Toilets: | There are toilets at the lakefront |
| Dogs: | Only on a lead or leash |
| Mobile coverage: | Yes |
| Public transport: | It’s right in town, just walk from your hotel |
SAVE 28% on last minute Redwoods Treewalk.
My walk began at the Rotorua Lakefront, a busy place filled with visitors and locals alike, all eager to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Rotorua. The lakefront is beautifully developed, featuring manicured gardens, modern playgrounds, and numerous picnic spots.
Leaving the lively lakefront, the track soon transitions into Sulphur Point. This area is renowned for its intense geothermal activity. As I walked along, the path led me through steamy vents and bubbling mud pools, a stark reminder of the volcanic forces that shape this region. The air here carries the pungent scent of sulphur, and the ground underfoot feels warm. Informational signs along the way offer insights into the geothermal processes and the area’s ecological significance, including its status as a bird sanctuary.
One of the highlights of this walk is the various wildlife, particularly bird species that thrive in the warm environments near the thermal waters. The boardwalks over the marshy areas provide perfect vantage points for bird watching. The vegetation around Sulphur Point is uniquely adapted to the geothermal conditions, with several heat-tolerant plants that add a green colour to the otherwise stark landscape.
The best time to visit Rotorua Lakefront is during the spring and autumn months. During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the changing colours of the trees add an extra layer of beauty to the landscape. Early morning is particularly magical, as the light mist over the lake and the rising steam from the geothermal areas create an ethereal atmosphere.
Walking the Rotorua Lakefront & Sulphur Point Loop is a reminder of New Zealand’s dynamic landscape. It offers not only a physical journey but also an emotional and sensory experience, connecting you with the primal forces of nature and the deep-rooted culture of the land.
Whether you’re a nature lover or a photography enthusiast, this walk promises a memorable adventure in one of New Zealand’s most iconic locations.
This loop walk encapsulates the essence of Rotorua—a city of mud pools, hot pools, steam and so much more, enjoy your walk. Another short free walk in Rotorua town worth exploring is at Kuirau Park.
SAVE 40% on last minute entry tickets & transport to the Waiotapu or Waimangu mud pools.
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