Ngahopua Track is one of several connected loop tracks accessed from Lake Ōkataina Road. The access is about halfway to Lake Ōkataina, opposite the turnoff to the Outdoor Education Centre.
The track is a mostly easy 50-minute walk through beautiful mature native rainforest. But the real highlight is the view from 100 metres above the twin volcanic crater lakes of Rotongata and Rotoatua, which erupted about 3,500 years ago. The lake drop-offs are steep and not always guarded by barriers, so keep an eye out if you’re exploring with small children.
Ngahopua connects with the Anaha Track, which connects to the Kepa Track, all on the east side of the road. Continue for a longer walk. There are also several tracks that start from near the Okataina Lodge and the Outdoor Education Centre. These include additional short walks and a longer hike on the Western Ōkataina Walkway. This climbs over the hills above Lake Ōkataina and takes several hours to get to Lake Okareka to the southwest.
The photos here were taken in the rain, providing a particularly lush experience.
