Last updated October 2026
The Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (Kaweka Lakes) Track is a short walk from the Lakes carpark near Kuripapango to two small lakes that make a good picnic spot, in Kaweka Forest Park about 50 km from Napier.
DOC times the walk to the lakes at 30 minutes one way and grades the track as an easy to intermediate walking track.
The track carries on past the lakes to Kuripapango Road, 2.3 km from the car park. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the track, and DOC’s access conditions said the Lakes carpark is reached via Kuripapango Road, as the old Castle Rock Road access “is now closed due to ongoing forestry operations”. Check DOC before you go for the current access conditions.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (Kaweka Lakes) 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
- Lakes carpark, via Kuripapango Road off the Napier-Taihape Road
- Distance from the city
- About 50 km from Napier
- Walking time
- 30 min one way from the Lakes carpark to the lakes
- Track length
- 2.3 km one way from the Lakes carpark to Kuripapango Road
- Grade
- Easy (DOC: easy to intermediate walking track)
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (Kaweka Lakes) Track
The track heads left from the Lakes carpark and passes through kanuka and hardwood forest. After about 30 minutes it branches left and drops down to the western lake, where there is generally a sandy shoreline for picnics, fishing and a wander along the water.
The two lakes, sometimes called Twin Lakes, have an unusual origin. Many thousands of years ago a massive slip came off the slopes of Mt Kuripapango, filled the valley and blocked two small streams, and the lakes formed behind the debris.
Only the western lake has an outflow, a small underground stream that emerges about 500 m to the south. Its level rises and falls, while the eastern lake stays fairly stable and may sometimes overflow into the slightly lower western lake.
The lakes are small, about 5 and 8 hectares, but DOC says they and their surrounds hold more than 280 native plant species, including several that are uncommon and nationally significant. That makes them ecologically and botanically important, so keep to the track and the shore and avoid trampling the plants around the water.
It’s a gentle outing that suits families and anyone after an easy walk and a picnic in the Kawekas. You can also continue on past the lakes to Kuripapango Road.
Trout Fishing at the Lakes
Introduced brown trout live in both lakes. DOC says the larger lake offers fishing all year round, with dry fly fishing popular in the heat of summer when fish feed on the surface, and spinners also allowed.
The smaller lake is open for fishing only from 1 October to 30 April, with a daily bag limit of four fish. Everyone fishing these lakes needs a current Fish and Game New Zealand licence.
Don’t expect big fish: the very cold, nutrient-poor water keeps the trout small. Clean all your gear before and after your trip to help stop the spread of aquatic pests such as didymo.
Getting There and Access
DOC places Kuripapango 76 km from Napier on the Napier-Taihape Road. To reach the Lakes carpark, turn off onto Kuripapango Road and follow the signs. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s access conditions said the old route in via Castle Rock Road was closed because of ongoing forestry operations.
DOC recommends 4WD vehicles on the Kaweka access roads to reduce wear on the road and for travel in rough conditions. This is mountainous country, so be prepared for sudden weather changes. Extreme fire conditions can occur in summer, and the park is a restricted fire area where permits to light fires are needed all year.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa (Kaweka Lakes) 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: Kaweka Forest Park: park-wide access conditions, road closures and other tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk to the Kaweka Lakes?
DOC times it at 30 minutes one way from the Lakes carpark to Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa.
How do I get to the Lakes carpark?
Turn off the Napier-Taihape Road onto Kuripapango Road and follow the signs. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said Castle Rock Road was closed due to forestry operations.
Is the track suitable for families?
Yes. DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track and describes the lakes as a nice picnic spot.
Can I bring my dog?
Only with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
Can I fish at the lakes?
Yes, with a current Fish and Game licence. The larger lake is open all year; the smaller lake is open from 1 October to 30 April with a daily bag limit of four fish.
How were the lakes formed?
A massive slip from Mt Kuripapango dammed two streams many thousands of years ago, and the lakes formed behind it.
Can I light a fire?
Only with a permit. Kaweka Forest Park is a restricted fire area all year round.
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