- Walk Highlights: The clear blue water of Lake Tikitapu is the star of the show, with a couple of sandy beaches to stop at along the way.
- Track Quality: Compacted dirt that can get muddy near the start, opening onto a wide old forestry road, then a stretch of road walking back to the car.
- Hazards: An unfenced section alongside Tarawera Road. Take care here, there is no barrier from traffic.
- Transport: No public transport out here. You will need your own car or a rental for the day.
- Water: Available at the Blue Lake shop across the road, and from a tap in the picnic area next to the toilet block.
Quick facts
Getting to the Blue Lake Track
The Blue Lake is one of the easiest of the Rotorua Walks to fit into a day trip. Drive south east out of Rotorua on the road toward Whakatane. At 3 km you will hit a roundabout signposted to Lake Tarawera and the Blue Lake, turn right and follow the road in. It is an 11 km drive from central Rotorua and takes about 15 minutes.
There is plenty of parking along the Blue Lake waterfront. DOC maintains three official car parks around the loop: the Rotorua Waterski Club car park, which has an accessible toilet and suits larger vehicles and trailers, a car park on Tarawera Road opposite Lake Tikitapu Campground, and the Blue and Green Lake lookout car park, which has mobility parking and accessible toilets.
No public transport runs out here, so you will need your own car. If you are visiting Rotorua without one, hiring a car for the day is the easiest way to reach the Blue Lake.
The walk
I did this walk clockwise, which DOC actually recommends, since it puts the roadside stretch near the start rather than the end when you are tired and less alert.
From the car park, walk out onto the lakefront and turn right. Follow the lakefront for about 100m to where the bush meets the water’s edge. You will see a wooden barrier and the track sign. From here the Blue Lake Track is easy to follow, though there were a couple of small mud holes to hop over near the start. It is a shame the trees have not been trimmed back in places, you lose some of the lake views behind the foliage.
About 30 minutes in there is a short downhill track on the left that drops down to a small sandy beach, a good spot to stop for lunch or just take in the view.
Back on the main track, keep left at the junction. From here you are walking on an old forestry road, wide and easy underfoot, all the way up to a car park.
From that car park you have two options. Option one is to walk up to Tarawera Road, turn left and follow the road about 2.7 km back to your car, but it is a busy road with no footpath. Option two is the better choice: take the track on your left instead, which drops steeply down through pine trees to the lake edge.
When you come out onto the lake, turn right and follow the shoreline. The track picks up again in the bush about 50m ahead. This section is a little rocky in places, so watch your footing. It is only 700m or so before you come out onto Tarawera Road again.
Turn left here and follow the road the rest of the way back to the car. It is narrow, so keep an eye out for traffic.
What you’ll see on the Blue Lake walk
The clear blue water of Lake Tikitapu is the obvious drawcard, popular with swimmers, water skiers and boaties. The track takes in sandy beaches, native bush and stands of exotic conifers in Whakarewarewa Forest, plus open stretches where the forestry road cuts through. There are good views across to the neighbouring Green Lake, Rotokakahi, from a couple of points on the loop.
Area and trail history
Blue Lake sits in a crater formed within the Okataina Caldera, part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, and was formed by the most recent eruption in the area around 13,500 years ago. The lake holds real significance for local Maori, who know it as Lake Tikitapu. According to legend the name comes from a chief’s daughter who died in the area, with tikitapu translating to sacred tattoo, referencing the facial tattoo patterns worn by Maori. The lake is considered tapu and is still used for cultural activities today.
Who it’s for
This is a walk for families, casual walkers and anyone short on time who still wants a proper lake view. It is flat, well formed for most of its length and short enough to fit into a half day trip out of Rotorua alongside other things. It is not a wilderness walk, you are never far from the road or the campground, but that is part of the appeal if you want something low effort with a payoff.
When to go
The Blue Lake walk is doable year round. Summer suits it best if you want to swim or use the beaches, and the water and forest colours are at their best in good light. After heavy rain the compacted dirt sections can turn muddy with ruts and roots underfoot, and DOC notes the track surface becomes uneven in wet weather, so check the current conditions if it has been raining hard before you go.
Important stuff
- Dogs: DOC’s Blue Lake Track page confirms dogs are allowed on the track but must stay on a leash at all times.
- Road section: Part of the loop runs alongside Tarawera Road with no barrier from traffic. DOC recommends walking the loop clockwise for this reason, and it is worth keeping kids and dogs close on this stretch either way.
- Track surface: DOC describes the surface as mostly compacted dirt with some ruts and roots, and it gets muddy after rain, so check the current conditions before heading out if the weather has been wet.
- Wider reserve rules: DOC’s general page for Lake Tikitapu Scenic Reserve lists dogs, horses and vehicles as not permitted in the reserve overall, which reads differently to the leash allowance on the Blue Lake Track itself. Check the current park signage on the day, since the track specific page confirms leashed dogs are fine on the Blue Lake loop.
My honest take
I really enjoyed this one. It is an easy walk and the clear blue water is a genuine highlight, not just marketing spin. The bush section at the start had a couple of muddy spots to dodge, and I wished the trees had been trimmed back a bit more so you could see the lake properly from the track rather than through gaps in the foliage. The forestry road section in the middle is wide and relaxed, good for chatting rather than watching your feet. My only real gripe is the road walking back to the car, it is narrow and the traffic moves at a fair clip, so I would go clockwise like DOC suggests and get that bit done early. Take the steep pine tree descent option near the end rather than the road, it drops you back onto the lakeshore and is a much nicer way to finish than the direct road route.
Common questions
How long does the Blue Lake walk take?
Budget 1 hour 30 minutes for the full 4.5 km loop at an easy pace, longer if you stop at the beaches.
Are dogs allowed on the Blue Lake Track?
Yes, on a leash, according to DOC’s Blue Lake Track page. Note this is different from the nearby Tikitapu Nature Walk in the same reserve, which does not allow dogs at all, so do not mix the two up.
Where can I park for the Blue Lake?
DOC lists three official car parks: the Rotorua Waterski Club car park, a car park on Tarawera Road opposite Lake Tikitapu Campground, and the Blue and Green Lake lookout car park, which also has mobility parking.
Can I stay overnight or camp at the Blue Lake?
No, Rotorua Lakes Council does not permit overnight parking or camping at the reserve itself, though Lake Tikitapu Campground nearby is set up for that.
Can I swim in the Blue Lake?
Yes, it is a popular swimming spot, but water quality can vary. Check the current water quality reading before swimming, particularly for young children, older adults or anyone with a compromised immune system.
Is there a shop at the Blue Lake?
Yes, there is a small shop at the Blue Lake campground, and it is only an 11 km drive back into Rotorua town for more options.
Other walks nearby
- Hamurana Springs Walk Fees Now Apply, a short walk to New Zealand’s biggest cold water spring, on the far side of Lake Rotorua.
- Kerosene Creek Hot Pools Walk, a good follow up if you fancy a soak after your walk around the Blue Lake.
- Lake Okaro Walk, another easy lake loop a short drive further south.
Back to Rotorua Walks.
