Last updated October 2026
The Waikōpiro Loop Track is a short, flat walk around the shoreline of Lake Waikōpiro, just inside the entrance to Lake Tūtira Regional Park, about 30 km from Napier.
DOC times the 1.1 km loop at 20 minutes and grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track. It’s a family-friendly outing, with native and introduced plants along the shore and a chance to see wildlife.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an access alert: after rain the lake levels rise, and high water “makes some parts of Waikōpiro Loop Track impassable”. Check DOC before you go and be prepared to turn around if the track is under water.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Waikōpiro Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Just inside the gate at Lake Tūtira Regional Park, off State Highway 2
- Distance from the city
- About 30 km from Napier
- Walking time
- 20 min loop
- Track length
- 1.1 km loop
- Grade
- Easy (DOC: easy to intermediate walking track)
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (parts of the track can be impassable when lake levels are high after rain). Check DOC before you go.
About Waikōpiro Loop Track
This is a gentle lap of Lake Waikōpiro that keeps close to the water the whole way. The track is short and flat, and DOC pitches it as a family walk with plenty to look at: native and introduced plants along the shore, and a chance to see some of the area’s wildlife.
At 20 minutes it works well as a leg stretch on a trip up State Highway 2, or as an easy first walk for young children. Because the track sits just inside the park entrance, it’s an easy one to add to any visit to Lake Tūtira Regional Park.
If you’re bringing a kayak or canoe, DOC notes that only non-motorised boats are permitted on the lake.
Lake Levels After Rain
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert explaining that after rain, the water level of Lake Tūtira rises and can take some time to go down, and this also affects Lake Waikōpiro.
When the lakes are up, some parts of the loop become impassable. Look at the DOC page before you set out, especially after a wet spell, and be ready to turn back rather than wade through flooded sections.
Getting There
DOC’s directions are to start from Bay View and stay on State Highway 2 for 31 km, then turn right into Lake Tūtira Regional Park. Keep to the left, and if you are turning right off the highway, wait for a clear gap in the traffic. The Waikōpiro Loop Track is just inside the gate as you drive in.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Waikōpiro Loop Track: 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: Tutira area: other walks around Lake Tūtira and the Tūtira district.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Waikōpiro Loop Track take?
DOC times the 1.1 km loop at about 20 minutes.
Is the track open?
Yes, when we checked on 18 October 2026, but DOC had an alert warning that parts become impassable when lake levels are high after rain. Check the DOC page before you go and be prepared to turn around.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. DOC describes it as a short, flat, family-friendly walk.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not allowed on this track.
Where does the track start?
Just inside the gate of Lake Tūtira Regional Park, which is a right turn off State Highway 2 about 31 km past Bay View.
Can I take a boat on Lake Waikōpiro?
Only non-motorised boats are permitted on the lake.
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