The Lake Rotoma Loop is simply a set of gravel roads that come off the North side of SH30 on both the East and West side of Lake Rotoma and wind their way around the North side of the lake. The roads are usually gravel learner friendly as long as they haven’t been graded recently and are quite picturesque as they wind through beautiful forest and at times have stunning views out over the lake through gaps in the trees. They can also be used as an interesting alternative to SH30 to avoid a section of wind hilly road that often has slow traffic.
Half way around the loop Hamilton Road heads of to the North, Google Earth shows lots of tempting gravel forest roads but this hasn’t been explored so it’s not sure if access is possible and what the roads are like.
Contributed by: @eddieb
Track type: Gravel Road
Track composition: Smooth, Firm, Undulating
Slippery when wet? Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Beginner
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Beginner
River crossings? No
Hamilton Rd links with a combination of roads that continue around north side of Lake Rotoehu and Lake Rotoiti to SH33 just East of Okere Falls. I have always done this section and not Rotoma section. There are a couple roads that run from this loop through hills towards SH2.
Rode Rotama back roads yesterday Pongakawa Valley Rd closed Rotama end same with Hamilton Rd just went to plan B and had a great day out around this area
I visited this area Friday 19th November 23. Pongawawa Valley road is closed. A large yellow concrete barrier (that the locals have been driving around it in their cars) has been placed across it at the Rotoma end of the road about 1 km from the Pongawawa and Manawahe intersection. The lake water level was just below road level for the last 1km before you get to the intersection. The lowest point of Manawahe Road is between the Pongawawa and Manawahe intersection and State Highway 30. At this point you can see water is traveling both beneath the road and over the road. There is another set of concrete yellow barriers at the Rotoehu end of Manawahe. The locals have been walking/biking and dirt bike riding around the bank end of this barrier. An adventure bike could squeeze through. But not recommended for BMW boxer enthusiasts. We didn’t check out Hamilton Road.