BAYS AND BUSH ADVENTURE

Distance: ~9.6 km
Grade: Intermediate level of fitness
Time: Approx. 2-3 hours
Terrain: Native bush • Volcanic • Singletrack
Finish: Scenic boat transfer from Kawakawa Bay to Kinloch

KINLOCH TO KAWAKAWA BAY HIKE

Walk the Trail. Finish on the Water.

Set out from the lakeside village of Kinloch and discover one of the most scenic walking sections of the Great Lake Trail.

The 9.5km walk from Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay winds through native bush and climbs to Codgers Rock, the highest point of the trail. Stop here to take in panoramic views across Lake Taupō and the surrounding landscape before continuing towards the secluded shores of Kawakawa Bay.

Reaching the bay is only part of the adventure. At the end of your walk, relax beside the lake before boarding your water taxi for a scenic boat journey across Lake Taupō back to Kinloch Village.

It’s a fantastic combination of walking, native bush, big views and time on the water — without needing to commit to a full day on the trail.

Two children with backpacks sitting on a large rock overlooking a river under a blue sky.
Four people, three women and one man, walk down a rocky beach as they approach a yellow boat anchored near the shore. The boat has a black cabin with the words 'Adventures' painted on the side and a Honda outboard motor at the back. The surrounding area features trees and calm blue water.

LOGISTICS

Suitable for: Beginners, families & moderate fitness levels with a walking time of 2-2.5 hrs.

Your adventure begins with a FourB transfer from your accommodation to Kinloch, where you’ll meet your guide and begin the walk.

From Kinloch, the trail climbs gradually through native bush towards Codgers Rock, before continuing to Kawakawa Bay.

Snacks and water are provided for the hike, and your qualified guide carries a full first aid kit and satellite tracker.

At Kawakawa Bay, you’ll meet the water taxi for the scenic boat transfer across Lake Taupō, followed by your return transfer to your accommodation.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and we recommend bringing layers for changing conditions.

A dirt trail through a dense rainforest with lush green fern and vine-covered trees, and sunlight filtering through the canopy.

CUSTOMISE YOUR ADVENTURE

Keep it simple or add a little something extra.

Enjoy the Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay walk followed by the scenic boat transfer, or add a picnic lunch at Kawakawa Bay and take some extra time to relax beside the lake before boarding the boat.

This trip can be customised to suit your group, including the pace of the walk and time spent at the bay.

Picnic lunch available on request as an optional extra. Enquire by clicking here.

Walk. Explore. Relax.

Silhouettes of two people standing on a rocky edge, pointing and looking over a sunset landscape with layered mountains and pine trees.
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