Loop Track

This 4.5 km (2.8 mi) circuit around Kerr Bay takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. Start near the east jetty on Bellbird Walk, continue along Honeydew Walk, then turn onto the St Arnaud Range/Loop Track. It climbs a series of terraces to a creek junction, loops back down to the lakeshore and returns by Lakehead Track. This is the shorter Kerr Bay circuit, not the much longer Lake Rotoiti Circuit.

The Bellbird and Honeydew sections are the easier start. Honeydew is a high-standard track described as wheelchair-suitable with help on steeper slopes; the full loop continues beyond it onto the terrace track. Expect a climb and descent over several terraces, and allow extra time if the route is muddy after rain. The published walking time is 1 hour 30 minutes; pause at the forest panels and listen for birds if you have time.

The red and mountain beech trunks can look blackened where sooty mould grows on sugary honeydew produced by scale insects. The mould does not harm the trees, and the honeydew feeds birds, insects and lizards. Tūī and bellbirds are common; robins, tomtits and fantails may also appear, while kākā or kākāriki can pass through the canopy.

The loop passes through the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project, a protected area of more than 5,000 hectares of honeydew beech forest managed with help from Friends of Rotoiti. Pest control has helped native life recover. Three palatable beech mistletoe species grow along the track; their red and yellow flowers may show in December and January.

Park at the Kerr Bay car park near the east jetty at the end of Kerr Bay Road. The adjoining campsite has toilets and a day shelter, and the St Arnaud village shop is about 500 m away. Dogs are not allowed on these walks. Freezing conditions can occur at any time of year, and the route can be muddy after rain. You may see bait stations or traps beside the track; do not touch them.