Lake Rotopounamu
'the greenstone lake'
Lake Rotopounamu is situated 11 km from Turangi, off State Highway 47. The majestic serene dark green lake of Rotopounamu nestles on the side of Mt Pihanga and takes its name from Pounamu, Maori for Greenstone. Unlike most of the lakes in the area it is not a crater lake formed by a volcano, but was formed by a landslide about 10,000 years ago. Lake Rotopounamu is nine metres deep and covers one square kilometre.
The walk around the lake is an easy 2.5 hour amble that includes some fine forest which was protected from the Taupo eruption because Mt Pihanga sheltered the lake. This lovely half day walk through old forests and around this beautiful lake is a special favourite of tree lovers with species of podocarp, flowering trees and the worlds largest species of moss. The pristine forest is home to an abundance of native bird life and has become a prized and popular walk for bird watchers.
Long Beach sweeps along the east side of the lake, and is an ideal spot for a picnic, swim or rest. This really is one of the best walks in this area, with fine specimens of some of New Zealand’s most primitive trees surrounding this serene lake.