Lake Dive track loop is a great day walk on Mt. Taranaki. This track is a full day, adventurous walk through forest and tussock with views galore.
I’ve been to Lake Dive on numerous occasions and have always enjoyed the area. Being on the south side of the mountain it just doesn’t get as much traffic as the now bustling Pouakai Range to the north with the famed Pouakai Tarns. It has less crowds and is a truly beautiful walk. It used to be a nice overnight to the hut or a good, long day walk. Unfortunately, in September 2020 the hut burned down and now it’s just a good, long day walk.
Lake Dive Loop Track Highlights and Logistics
Highlights – Native forest, a real lake on the slopes of Mt. Taranaki, mountain views, and tussock slopes.
Location – Dawson Falls area on south – eastern side of the mountain.
Length of Walk – 6 – 8 hours round trip; 13 km
Difficulty – moderate to advanced.
Lake Dive Track Loop
This walk is a bit more serious than the short day walks around the visitor centres. The lower section through the forest can be overgrown and the stream crossings can be impassable after heavy rain. Then the upper section is exposed, meaning you’ll get hammered by rain, wind, or possibly snow. The upper track is generally covered in snow and ice during winter. Thus, you need good fitness and weather for this walk.
The track starts from Dawson Falls and heads off into the forest. The lower track soon cuts to the left and then proceeds to go up and down for the next 3 – 4 hours before arriving at Lake Dive.
The track climbs down gullies, up the other side, then crosses over the top before going into another one. The forest is beautiful and the unbridged stream crossings and ladders are super fun.
Lake Dive is about the half way point on this walk and makes a good lunch spot. Formerly, the hut was a nice spot to relax, but now you can find a spot near the old hut site to chill out and soak up the views. The big dome (the Beehives) behind the lake formed when some viscous lava welled up and then cooled before it could spread out.
From the Lake the track climbs up, up, and up to the tussock slopes. Head to the right at the junction (left is the Brames Falls track towards Waiaua Gorge hut on the Around the Mountain Circuit). The next section is a lovely crossing of tussock slopes before reaching the junction of the track that heads up to Fantham’s Peak.
From the junction, descend stairs for a bit until the the track gradually eases back and then continue to drop down through scrub, past Hooker Shelter, the Hillary Seat, into the goblin forest, and back to Dawson Falls.
My Insider’s Tips To Lake Dive Track Loop
If you are fit and seeking an adventure then you can combine a long day walk to Lake Dive with an overnight at Syme Hut. Or you could just climb to Fantham’s Peak for the views and then drop back down the same day.
This walk can be done in either direction, but I prefer to do it clockwise, beginning with the forest and ending with the tussock. I like to save the high section for last as I prefer those high mountain views and I like to save the best for last. Keep in mind the weather that day as heavy rain could make the lower track impassable because streams rise quickly.