Tongariro National Park
Time: 2 hour return
Grade: Easy
Start: 11 km from Tūrangi off SH47, the parking area is signposted on the south side of Te Ponanga Saddle. Between Turangi and National Park. Google Maps directions
Lake Rotopounamu is a secluded lake in the Pihanga Scenic Reserve, in the Tongariro National Park. The 5km track is a well formed circular trail around the lake below Mt Pihanga. The name of the lake comes from the Maori words ‘roto’ (lake) and ‘pounamu’ (greenstone) which is the colour of the water. There is a beach half way round which is an ideal picnic stop.
