Rotokare Scenic Reserve

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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Hawera ▷

We are a pest free sanctuary. We have spent millions of dollars and hours eradicating mice, rats, stoats, weasels and possums from inside the sanctuary.

No pests have been in the reserve since it was enclosed with a 7km predator proof fence in 2006. As a consequence our bird life has flourished. We have over 80 Kiwi in the reserve and four years ago we trans located Tieke (which had previously been extinct in Taranaki for over 150 years). In 2017 we translocated 40 hihi (stitchbirds).They are very rare and exist at only 8 sites on the planet!! You can see we take conservation very seriously.

In order to maintain a pest free sanctuary for the rare birds it is essential that all visitors check their vehicles and belongings for mice or rats and other pests.

We maintain a pristine reserve with clean toilets and an outside shower. We do not receive any government funding for the reserve. We do expect a donation from visitors camping the night. $5 per person, per night is a realistic donation and this can be put in the donation box by the visitor information centre.

Another point of interest is that we have regular Sunday volunteer mornings that all visitors are welcome to join. We do a number of tasks within the sanctuary to do with site maintenance and conservation and bio-security. A free lunch is provided afterwards. Meet at the classroom at 9am every Sunday.

Self-contained vehicles in front of the estuary only. Non-self-contained vehicles outside the public toilets and information centre only. Tenting on lake front only. Local Council By-laws allow only 3 self contained and three non-self contained camps per night.

NO DOGS PERMITTED IN THE SANCTUARY.

Photos

Aerial view from Bush Ridge

Maps

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Details

Feature Value Info

Campsite Managing Organisation

What type of organisation operates this campsite?

Local Council

This experience is managed by a local council.

The reserve is managed by Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust on behalf of the council. Volunteers maintain the site.

Overnight Stay Rules

What are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite?

Self-contained motorhomes only

Self-contained motorhomes only

Overnight stays are only permitted if your vehicle is certified as being 'self-contained'. The vehicle must display the "Responsible Camper" sticker.

Maximum of 3 self contained and 3 non self-contained per night.

Overnight Camping Site Cost

What is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight?

Low Cost Camping (NZ$1 to NZ$10)

Low Cost Camping (NZ$1 to NZ$10)

You can expect very basic facilities only and often a beautiful location. A nominal fee is charged.

$5 per person, per night.

Payment Requirement

Is there a cost for this experience or is it free?

Paid access/participation

Paid access/participation

The experience costs money to access or take part in.

$5 per person, per night.

Track Difficulty

Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete?

Easy walk

Easy walk

Track Duration

How long does it take to walk this track on average?

2 to 4 hours

2 to 4 hours

Campfire Rules

What are the rules for open air fires?

Fires prohibited

There is a total fire ban -no fires are permitted.

Disabled Access

Does this location provide disabled access?

Yes

Yes

Disabled toilet and barrier free access to 300m of boardwalk.

Water Supply

Is there fresh water available?

Yes

Yes

We rely on spring water, please conserve our water.

Crowd Factor

How crowded is this place usually?

Lesser Known

Usually has less people visiting

Large Vehicle Access

Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access?

Yes

Yes

Plenty of room to park and turn around inside the sanctuary

Vehicle Access

Can vehicles drive in?

Yes

Yes

PLEASE CHECK YOUR VEHICLE FOR PESTS. NO DOGS ALLOWED

Track Managing Organisation

What type of organisation operates this walking track?

DOC Managed

DOC Managed

This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.

Original

This track is maintained by our amazing Rotokare Scenic Reserve volunteers.

Shower

Is there a shower at this location?

Cold shower

At least one cold shower is available.

Outside shower.

Pets

Does this establishment allow pets?

No

No

ABSOLUTELY NO DOGS ALLOWED. Please check your vehicle thoroughly for vermin - this is a pest free reserve!

Powered Sites

Does this establishment have powered sites?

No

No

Maximum Sites Available

How many camping or parking sites are available for staying overnight in?

6 to 10 sites

There are between six and ten sites available to stay overnight in.

Sites are designated

Booking Required

Is it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight?

First Come, First Served

First Come, First Served

Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot.

Toilet

Is there a toilet available?

Public toilet

There are toilet facilities available to the general public.

Dump Station

Dump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station?

No

No

Nearest dump station is in Stratford

Track Accommodation

What type of accommodation is available on this walking track?

Campsite

Campsite

At least one campsite is available on this track to stay at overnight.

Designated camping area before walk starts

Maximum Stay Duration

How many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment?

3 nights

You can only stay at this campsite for up to 3 nights in a row.

DOC Track Category

What type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)?

Walking track

Walking track

Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day. Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities. Clearly signposted. Stream and river crossings are bridged. Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required.

The beginning of the lake edge track has approx. 700 m which is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. A more strenuous ridge line walk takes about 2 hours and has spectacular views to the east and south.

Track Length

What is the physical length of this track?

3km to 10km

4 km lake edge track and 2 km ridge line walk

Contact

Email: contact@rotokare.org.nz

Phone: +64 6 7648500

New Plymouth Address:
 Lake Rotokare, Taranaki

Operating Season And Hours: The reserve is open 24 hours every day of the year. Enter through a set of double gates. Local Council By-laws allow only 3 self contained and three non-self contained camps per night.. Maximum three night stay. Boating is permitted on the lake between 1 December and 31 March, unless closed by local council for water quality reasons.

3 reviews with the most recent first

Cherie Marhsall's avatar

Cherie Marhsall

Ranking: 10/10

Rotokare Reserve is a gem of the southern Taranaki Region. We stayed for 3 nights over Christmas. It was peaceful and outlook of the bush and lake were beautiful. This Reserve is run by volunteers which is awesome. It was super clean and well cared for. The two walks were excellent and teeming with native bird life. 10 Stars!

Reviewed 11 months ago

Rotokare Scenic Reserve responds:

Thanks Cherie! Glad that you enjoyed your stay and our fabulous wild life.

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Save up to 70% on campsite fees! Support conservation and experience the natural beauty of NZ. 74 Department of Conservation campsites, one convenient pass.

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thibaut vernelle's avatar

thibaut vernelle

France

Ranking: 10/10

Beautiful little lake, lots of space, nice walk, brand new facilities.

Reviewed about 4 years ago and experienced in March 2014

Rotokare Scenic Reserve responds:

Heureux que vous avez apprécié votre séjour

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Dave Bugden's avatar

Dave Bugden

New Zealand

Ranking: 9/10

Lovely 1hr walk around lake

Reviewed almost 9 years ago

Rotokare Scenic Reserve responds:

Hi Dave,
Glad you enjoyed your walk.Did you see our hihi?

  • night tour

    Witness the sights and sounds of Rotokare Scenic Reserve at night.

  • night tour

3 reviews with the most recent first

Cherie Marhsall's avatar

Cherie Marhsall

Ranking: 10/10

Rotokare Reserve is a gem of the southern Taranaki Region. We stayed for 3 nights over Christmas. It was peaceful and outlook of the bush and lake were beautiful. This Reserve is run by volunteers which is awesome. It was super clean and well cared for. The two walks were excellent and teeming with native bird life. 10 Stars!

Reviewed 11 months ago

Rotokare Scenic Reserve responds:

Thanks Cherie! Glad that you enjoyed your stay and our fabulous wild life.

Conservation Campsite Pass

Save up to 70% on campsite fees! Support conservation and experience the natural beauty of NZ. 74 Department of Conservation campsites, one convenient pass.

Get the Pass

thibaut vernelle's avatar

thibaut vernelle

France

Ranking: 10/10

Beautiful little lake, lots of space, nice walk, brand new facilities.

Reviewed about 4 years ago and experienced in March 2014

Rotokare Scenic Reserve responds:

Heureux que vous avez apprécié votre séjour

Top Ranked NZ Deals Pass

Access savings worth hundreds of $$ on Top Ranked NZ Accommodation and Activities for just $1 per day.

Get deals pass

Dave Bugden's avatar

Dave Bugden

New Zealand

Ranking: 9/10

Lovely 1hr walk around lake

Reviewed almost 9 years ago

Rotokare Scenic Reserve responds:

Hi Dave,
Glad you enjoyed your walk.Did you see our hihi?