Shady lakeside picnic spots and gnarled old pine trees (homes for pixies and goblins?) are part of this trail. Emerging from the bush Pohaturoa is seen perfectly framed by cabbage trees. Moving upstream the river assumes different hues from the more calm lake water. Travelling the fringe of the forest popokatea (whitehead) and whiro whiro (grey warbler) can be heard and seen. In the right season both long and short-tailed cuckoos inhabit this forest.

The trail emerges from the forest beneath the towering bulk of Pohaturoa. It is only up this close that one appreciates the enormous size and intriguing shape of this volcanic monolith, so much a part of this special area.

LENGTH: 13.5km
APPROXIMATE TIME: 4.5 hrs one way
ACCESS: From Ongaroto Rd (SH 30) 250m from SH 1 or from Snowsill Reserve.
HIGHLIGHTS: Magnificent views of majestic Pohaturoa, the changing moods of river flow to lake, forest and bush walks with a range of birdlife.