Last updated October 2026
The Waihora Lagoon Walk is a short boardwalk in Pureora Forest Park to a viewing platform over a lagoon, where tall rimu and kahikatea are reflected in the water.
DOC calls the lagoon one of the most beautiful spots in the park. The walk starts at the Waihora Lagoon car park, about 7 km along Waihora Road off State Highway 32.
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track and allows 15 minutes. DOC warns the gravel road is in disrepair and only recommended for 4WD vehicles, and the lagoon itself can dry out in summer. The lagoon is about 36 km from Taupō.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Waihora Lagoon Walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Waihora Lagoon car park, about 7 km along Waihora Road off State Highway 32
- Distance from the city
- about 36 km from Taupō
- Walking time
- 15 min
- Track length
- 730 m return
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Road access
- Gravel road in disrepair, only recommended for 4WD vehicles
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Waihora Lagoon Walk
Waihora Lagoon is a corner of Pureora Forest Park that rewards a short walk. A well-formed track and boardwalk snake through the trees to a platform beside the lagoon.
DOC describes the lagoon as a shallow ephemeral wetland surrounded by swamp forest. Tall rimu and kahikatea ring the water, and on a still day their reflections are the reason to visit.
Because it is ephemeral, the lagoon can dry out in summer, so the view changes with the seasons.
Getting There
Leave State Highway 32 at the signposted Waihora Road and drive about 7 km along the gravel to the Waihora Lagoon car park.
DOC warns that the gravel road is in disrepair and is only recommended for 4WD vehicles. Check the DOC page for alerts before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Waihora Lagoon Walk: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Pureora Forest Park: campsites, tracks and alerts across the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Waihora Lagoon Walk take?
DOC allows 15 minutes. The track is 730 m return.
How hard is the walk?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track. It is a well-formed track with a boardwalk to the viewing platform.
Can I drive to the car park in a normal car?
DOC says Waihora Road is a gravel road in disrepair and only recommends it for 4WD vehicles.
Is there always water in the lagoon?
No. DOC notes the lagoon is a shallow ephemeral wetland and can dry out in summer.
Where does the walk start?
At the Waihora Lagoon car park, about 7 km along Waihora Road, which is signposted from State Highway 32.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
Is the walk open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no current alerts for this walk. Check the DOC page for current alerts before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.