Loading...
Huntly
3.6 km
1 hour
0 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you have ever driven through the Waikato on State Highway 1, you have undoubtedly noticed the towering chimneys of the Huntly Power Station. But what many travellers don’t realise is that just a stone's throw from the main highway lies a tranquil, green oasis that is a beloved sanctuary for locals.
The Lake Hakanoa Walkway is a hidden gem in the heart of Huntly, offering a beautifully lakeside escape that feels a world away from the hustle of the highway. Whether you are a local looking for a daily exercise spot, a family looking for a stroller-friendly afternoon out, or a tourist wanting to stretch your legs on a road trip, this flat and easy loop track is a must-visit.
---
The Lake Hakanoa Walkway is an easy 3.6-kilometre loop track that hugs the edge of the serene Lake Hakanoa. With an elevation gain of absolute zero, it is flat, gentle, and incredibly accessible. The track is predominantly a well-maintained gravel path, making it an excellent year-round option for prams, wheelchairs, and little ones on balance bikes.
Completing the full loop typically takes about an hour at a leisurely pace, but we highly recommend budgeting a bit of extra time. The walkway is designed to be savoured rather than rushed. As you wander along the water’s edge, the path takes you through a shifting landscape of open lakeside vistas, shady native bush, and beautifully manicured gardens.
It is a fantastic option for dog owners, too! Your four-legged friends are more than welcome here, provided they are kept on a lead, making it a wonderful spot for a social dog walk.
---
What sets the Lake Hakanoa Walkway apart from your standard lakeside stroll is its clever division into thirteen distinct thematic zones. Each section of the park offers a completely different aesthetic and cultural experience.
Ample parking is available at the Huntly Domain, located at the end of Park Avenue, which serves as the primary entrance to the walkway. Additional parking can be found off Lakeview Terrace. The car park at the Green Cathedral can accommodate up to 40 cars. Public toilet facilities are also available within the Domain.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Porphyrio melanotus
Purple swamphen with distinctive red bill and frontal shield. Common in wetlands and grasslands.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
1.6km away
A premier hotel and restaurant experience in Huntly, offering great food, a bar with TAB facilities, gaming machines, and live sports. Perfect for a hearty meal and a drink.
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Loop
Beyond the gardens, keep an eye out for the dramatic visual contrast across the lake. From several viewpoints, you can see the massive Huntly Power Station framed by tranquil wetlands and weeping willows—a unique intersection of New Zealand’s industrial heritage and natural beauty.
---
Getting to the Lake Hakanoa Walkway is incredibly straightforward. If you are driving along State Highway 1, turn off into the Huntly township and head towards the Huntly Domain.
Ample parking is available at the main entrance of the Huntly Domain, located at the end of Park Avenue. This is the most popular starting point as it also features great playground facilities for the kids and public toilets.
If the main car park is busy, you can find additional parking spaces off Lakeview Terrace. If you are heading straight to a wedding or event at the Green Cathedral, there is a dedicated car park nearby that can accommodate up to 40 cars.
---
For bird lovers, the wetlands surrounding Lake Hakanoa are an absolute paradise. The lake and its margins provide a safe haven for a diverse range of aquatic and forest birds.
If you are incredibly quiet and visit near dawn or dusk, you might even catch a rare glimpse of the Australasian Bittern (matuku-hūrepo), a master of camouflage that hides amongst the wetland reeds.
---
The beauty of the Lake Hakanoa Walkway is that it is a true four-season destination.
What to bring: Because the track is flat and well-formed, standard running shoes or sturdy walking shoes are perfectly fine. Don't forget to pack some sunscreen and a hat, as some sections of the lakeside loop are quite open to the elements. There are plenty of benches scattered along the route, so bringing a water bottle and a light snack to enjoy at your favourite viewpoint is highly recommended.
---
This lake is far more than just a pretty recreation reserve; it is a place of deep cultural and historical significance. Long before European settlers arrived, the area we now know as Huntly was named Rahui Pokeka.
The name Hakanoa itself carries a fascinating history. It translates roughly to "free dance" or "ordinary haka". According to local tradition, ancient Māori warriors of the Ngati Mahuta and Ngati Whawhakia hapu (sub-tribes) gathered here to perform a ritualistic haka. This performance marked the lifting of a rahui (a temporary ritual ban or restriction) on fishing, celebrating the lake's return to abundance.
As you make your way around the track, take the time to read the excellent interpretive boards. They offer a wealth of information regarding this rich Māori history, the subsequent colonial heritage of the coal-mining town, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the lake's unique ecosystem.
---
Once you have completed your loop, there is no need to rush away. Huntly has some fantastic local spots to refuel, all within a quick two-minute drive of the domain:
--- SEO--- Explore the Lake Hakanoa Walkway in Huntly, an easy 3.6km lakeside loop featuring thirteen beautiful themed gardens and rich Māori history.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Cygnus atratus
An iconic sight on New Zealand's waterways, these large, elegant birds are known for their entirely black plumage and striking red bills.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Botaurus poiciloptilus
A globally vulnerable and elusive heron-like bird, renowned for its cryptic camouflage and the male's distinctive deep 'booming' call during breeding season.
Best time: Year-round
1.7km away
A local favourite celebrated for its award-winning dessert pies and a good selection of breakfast and lunch items. A comfortable spot to refuel.
1.7km away
Serving satisfying Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options. A great choice for a flavourful dinner after your walk.
1.8km away
A highly-rated cafe in Huntly, known for its friendly staff, delicious breakfast and lunch options, and vegetarian choices. A great spot for a post-hike meal.