Whanganui Bay
Taupo
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Whanganui Bay
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1 Whekenui
Getting there
Whanganui Bay is accessed via a private road that turns off SH32. The
turn-off (pictured at right) is 12km north from the SH32 junction (if
coming from the south) and 26km south of the Tihoi Trading Post
(if approaching from the north). From inside the entrance, head right
and follow the farm road for 600m. Take the left branch through a
gate (which sometimes has an adjacent ‘Whanganui Bay’ sign). It is
approximately 4km to the lake from here.
The notorious Bay road is in a constant state of disrepair and can be
tough on vehicles. A 4WD with good clearance would be ideal, but a
4WD car usually has no major issue with the ruts and enough traction
to get out in the wet. If taking a 2WD vehicle be aware of the forecast and drive your car up the road before it rains, or
you will likely get stuck coming up the road. This issue can be avoided by leaving your car above the gorge and before
the road descends into the steepest and worst-rutted section. You have been warned!
There is space to leave your vehicle after the first 3.5km of the road (which is usually in good condition), just before
the ‘Give way to Uphill Traffic’ sign. From here it is only a ten minute walk to Lobotomy Buttress, five minutes further
to the Plateau and another ten minutes to the lakeside camping or Whekenui.
Please drive slowly past the Marae and then take the sharp left turn and park in the camping area which is at the rivermouth just beyond the tree-lined stretch of road. Do not drive down to the waterfront, or behind the houses on the right.
Amenities
The nearest place to obtain food is the supermarket in Turangi. The Tokaanu and Kuratau townships offer a limited
range of takeaway and café options.
There is a petrol station at Tokaanu.
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3 Up De Do Da Buttress
2 The Plateau
4 Lobotomy Buttress
5 Mangakara
ACCESS
Whanganui Bay is Maori reserve land, and access is by kind permission of the people of
Whanganui Bay and the trust that manages the area. It is fundamental that climbers (or
‘rockies’, as the locals would say) treat the area with the utmost respect at all times, including
by observing all signs and directions, and generally behaving in a considerate manner.
You must adhere to the following rules:
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You must camp, drive, walk and climb in permitted areas only. Stay away from wahi
tapu areas.
You must pay camping and climbing koha: $5 per day for climbing, $5 per night for
camping. Children under 14 years old are free. Payment should be made at the payment station near Whekenui. Even if you don’t climb at Whekenui, make sure you pay your fees.
Remove all rubbish.
No dogs. No drugs. No unauthorised hunting.
All activities are undertaken entirely at your own risk.
Accommodation
Camping
Camping is limited to the flat grassed area by the rivermouth. Please respect the privacy of the locals and do not camp
in other areas. Facilities are limited to a long-drop toilet at the campsite. Drinking the lake water is not recommended,
though many people do without any adverse effects. The lake is certainly recommended for cooling off in. Please swim
directly in front of the camping area and north of the river mouth, rather than off the main beach at the southern end
of the bay. Do not walk behind the houses.
Other options
It is possible to day-trip to the Bay from nearby holiday towns such as Kuratau and Whareroa, where rental accommodation is available. Otherwise, try Turangi or Taupo.
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