Kawakawa Bay is a sheltered, bush-backed bay on the western shore of Lake Taupō, accessible by two Department of Conservation walking tracks — the K2K (Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay) track and the Orakau Trail. Both routes traverse native bush and farmland, reaching the same bay which has a DOC shelter, toilets, and a safe swimming beach backed by views across the lake. The area is part of the Great Lake Trail network and is a full-day outing from Taupō for walkers.
Practical Information
| K2K Track | 9 km one-way from Kinloch Beach to Kawakawa Bay; 2 hours walking one-way |
| Orakau Trail | 10 km one-way from Whangamata Road carpark to Kawakawa Bay; 3 hours walking one-way |
| Grade | Easy to intermediate — undulating terrain with some climbing on both routes |
| K2K Start | Kinloch Beach, western end of the beach, Kinloch (approximately 24 km from Taupō) |
| Orakau Start | Whangamata Road carpark, west of Taupō |
| At the Bay | DOC shelter, toilets, swimming beach, lakeside picnic area |
| Entry | Free — both tracks are DOC managed |
| Network | Great Lake Trail (Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails) |
The K2K Track (Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay)
The K2K begins at the western end of Kinloch Beach, the small township on the north-western shore of Lake Taupō. The track climbs from Whangamata Bay and travels along the top of a broad cliff above the lake, with open views south across the water for much of the route. The highest point is the Codger’s Rock lookout at 492 metres, reached after approximately 2 hours, with Kawakawa Bay spread out below and the bush-covered hills of the western bays visible. From the lookout, the track descends to the bay. The 9 km one-way distance makes a 4-hour return walk from Kinloch, or a point-to-point with transport at the bay end.
The Orakau Trail
The Orakau Trail approaches Kawakawa Bay from the south-west, starting from a carpark on Whangamata Road. The route follows the Orakau Stream and wetland through regenerating native bush before descending to the beach at Kawakawa Bay. At 10 km one-way it is a longer route than the K2K, taking approximately 3 hours to the bay. The trail passes through quieter country — a bush and wetland environment distinct from the lake-edge views of the clifftop K2K.
Kawakawa Bay
The bay itself is a reward in either direction — a sheltered horseshoe of water backed by native bush, accessible only on foot or by boat. The DOC facility at the bay has a shelter and toilets. Swimming is safe in the sheltered bay. The area is normally only accessible by boat, making it one of the more remote corners of the Lake Taupō shoreline.
Where to Learn More
DOC – Kawakawa Bay Tracks — official track information, access details, and conditions from the Department of Conservation.
Love Taupō – Kawakawa Section of the Great Lake Trails — visitor overview of both the K2K and Orakau routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Kawakawa Bay?
By the K2K track from Kinloch Beach (9 km, 2 hours), or by the Orakau Trail from Whangamata Road (10 km, 3 hours). The bay is also accessible by boat.
Is Kawakawa Bay suitable for swimming?
Yes — the bay is sheltered and the beach is a safe swimming area. DOC facilities at the bay include a shelter and toilets.
How far is Kinloch from Taupō?
Approximately 24 km by road, around a 25-minute drive from Taupō town centre.
Can I cycle to Kawakawa Bay?
The K2K is part of the Great Lake Trail and is suitable for mountain bikes. The Orakau Trail is primarily a walking track.
Are there facilities at Kawakawa Bay?
DOC provides a shelter and toilets at the bay. There are no food or accommodation facilities — bring what you need.
Kawakawa Bay is one of the western bays accessible via the Taupō walking tracks network. The Rangatira Point Walking Track offers another lakeside walk on the north-western shore.