Tama Lakes Lookout. Tongariro National Park. North Is. New Zealand.
S 39° 11.720 E 175° 36.040
60H E 379160 N 5660614
A 5-6 hr return walk across undulating tussock land will take you to this stunning viewpoint of the Lower Tama Lake on the Tama Lakes track at the saddle between Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe.
Waymark Code: WM11N6F
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 11/17/2019
Views: 2
Tama Lakes are relatively recent in formation. Vents formed around 10,000 years ago when newer ballistic material smashed through older lava flows. The resulting craters later filled with water which had no means of escape.
The lakes remain clear, fresh and pest-free. There is an inland Gull colony at the lakes.
Lower Tama Lake comes to view first, after walking along the marked track which starts from the Chateau area, at Whakapapa.
Occupying an ancient crater and surrounded by sheer walls of volcanic rock, the deep blue water contrasts with the tussock and snow.
The climb to the upper lake is marked with poles and is steeper and rockier. There are cairns on the summit knolls. The Tama Saddle is exposed, especially in a westerly wind which can be very strong.
There is no access down to the lakes.
Note: Tama Saddle acts as a funnel for prevailing westerly winds. Windproof clothing is recommended. The walk is 5 to 6 hours return, the track climbs uphill from the Taranaki Falls junction, wear strong footwear for a long walk, dress for mountain climate and bring food and drink.
Type of overlook: trail
Picnic tables: no
Benches: no
Water/restrooms: no
Overlook designation: Designated
Elevation: 4,281.00
View:
A great view of the Lower Tama Lake, one of two lakes filling old explosion craters on the Tama Saddle between the volcanic mountains of Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.
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Visit Instructions:
You will need a picture with your GPS of the view and the area. It can't be the same picture as the listing has.