Waikato Tama Lake and Taranaki Stream Loop

A long 16km, circular walk in the moderate to fit category lasting about six and a half hours which starts and ends at the Chateau in Whakapapa. There is an overall altitude gain of about 240 metres up to Lower Tama Lake and the walk to this point is on good footpath with very little obvious ascending. The next part is off-track firstly heading NNW for about 2km to meet the Taranaki Stream which then flows WNW. The first part of this is relatively easy but once into the valley of the Taranaki Stream there are a few scrambles over rocks and up steep valley sides plus several stream crossings in wet weather or lots of rock hopping when the stream is dry. The latter part of the walk is on the footpath to Mangatepopo from Whakapapa – this path is not as well maintained.

Last updated March 2010

Start Point: Easting 1819286 Northing 5657828