Exploring Te Auheke: A Forest Walk Near Lake Ōkataina
Te Auheke, meaning "tumbling water," is a delightful short forest walk located near Lake Ōkataina in the Rotorua region. This 1.5 km loop track offers an easy stroll through both regenerating and mature forest. A highlight of the walk is a cliff face adorned with moss and ferns, and a short side trip leads you to the Cascade Waterfall, a gentle 10-metre cascade with two main streams and several smaller trickles over these moss-covered rocks. At night, the area is illuminated by glowworms, adding a magical touch to the experience.
Connecting Tracks and Nearby Walks
Te Auheke can be easily linked with several other short-loop walks in the area. Among these, the Ngahopua Track is particularly recommended. This track begins opposite the turnoff to the Outdoor Education Centre on Lake Ōkataina Road and takes you through beautiful forest to two deep crater lakes.
How to Get to Te Auheke
To reach the start of Te Auheke, drive approximately 6 km along Lake Ōkataina Road from State Highway 30 and take the turnoff to the Outdoor Education Centre. Be mindful of the substantial road humps designed to slow traffic. From the car park at the start of the Western Okataina Walkway, head west across the wide grass field behind the centre towards the forest edge. As you approach, you'll see the track sign marking the beginning of the loop. The loop concludes a short distance from where it starts.
Other nearby activities include Okere Falls on the northwest end of Lake Rotoiti and Hinehopu (Hongi's) Track at the east end of this lake.
