Rotokura Ecological Reserve is 14km southeast of Ohakune, at Karioi, just off SH49 (karioi means ‘places to linger’). There are two lakes here: the first is Dry Lake, actually quite wet and perfect for picnicking; the furthest is Rotokura, tapu (sacred) to Māori, so eating, fishing and swimming are prohibited. The return-trip walk will take you 45 minutes; longer if you linger to admire the ancient beech trees and waterfowl, such as dabchicks and paradise ducks.
