The cliffs of Kawakawa Bay rise threateningly almost immediately in front of you. There is a small area set aside here for eating lunch, or you can choose to perch on the gravel shoreline as you soak your tired feet in the cool waters of Kawakawa Bay.

It’s not long after this that you’ll take the right hand fork in the track towards the Kawakawa Bay picnic area (continue straight onwards for the toilet). In the hotter summer months this can be brutal after the luxury of shade for the rest of the track. You walk through beautifully shaded ponga groves and also at one point through a brief uncovered section. A short and easy grade downhill descent follows, most of which remains under cover of the surrounding bush. The bay is encrusted with native bush, and just in front of you to the east is Te Kauwae peak (537m).Ĭodger’s Rock is another great place to stop and take a quick break but rest assured … from here it is only another 30 minutes to the bay. From here, Kawakawa Bay stretches out in a magnificent horseshoe beneath you. This is only for a short while until you eventually round a corner and see the view from Codger’s Rock lookout. This is a great point to stop and rest for 10 minutes or so to have a quick snack and a drink.Īpproximately 2 hours into your outgoing march, you’ll notice the climb becomes marginally steeper. After what feels like an age of walking, you’ll come across a trail marker signifying the half way point to Kawakawa Bay. The closeness of the bush cover coupled with infrequent opportunities to see very far into the distance can make the track feel neverending and claustrophobic. Expect this portion of the trail to be long and arduous. A little way further along the track, you’ll come across the Kawakawa Bay Track trailhead.įrom here, the track steadily climbs towards the Codger’s Rock lookout – the highest point on the trail. You’ll walk along a small pathway for a kilometre or so, and over a small bridge across the Whangamata stream as it enters Whangamata Bay. Once your car is secure, head down to the lakefront, and veer right. Park your car here for an easy return to the trail. Opposite the boat harbour (just next to the Tipsy Trout cafe/restaurant) is a reserve area with some carparking and an informational graphic under a small shelter.

Travel along this road all the way into town and follow the signs for the boat ramp (Mata Place). You’ll soon come to Kinloch Rd, another left-hand turning. The road is clearly signposted, including signs for the Great Lake Trail. Continue along this road for a little way, past Tuhingamata and Mapara Rds until you reach the left hand turning of Whangamata Rd.

If entering Taupō from the north, take the Poihipi Road turning on your right just after the scenic lookout (there is a giant road-bike perched on the side of the road at the junction).

The track is easily accessed from the small township of Kinloch, approximately 10 minutes’ drive from Taupō.

Kawa kawa song you