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Taupo, Turangi Tongariro & Mangakino Free Activities

Absolutely FREE Activities in Great Lake Taupo

As the saying goes, the best things in life are FREE. The free and family things to do make Great Lake Taupō the perfect place for a summer holiday. There are heaps of free activities available in the Great Lake Taupo region.

Having a soak in the Spa Park Hot Pools with your mates and sharing a picnic at the lakefront while kids play in the water are what make your holiday here in Great lake Taupo special – and it doesn’t cost a thing! For more information about these free activities and where they are located, call in at the friendly Taupo and Turangi i-Site teams. 

Here's our favourite list of free things to do in the Great Lake Taupo region. 

Free Things To Do in Taupo

 Huka Falls - This thundering waterfall is one of the most visited and photographed attractions in New Zealand, and for good reason. The volume of pure water flowing through the rock face of the mighty Waikato River often approaches 220,000 litres per second; enough to fill two Olympic sized swimming pools, per second! Situated off SH1 north on Huka Falls Lopp Road.

 Aratiatia Rapids - See a raging torrent of water surge through the Aratiatia Rapids, when hydro gates are opened to bring this natural attraction to life. Spills occur 10am, 12noon, 2pm and 4pm in summer and 10am, 12noon and 2pm in winter. Signposted off SH5 approximately 10km north of Lake Taupo. For best viewing, arrive 15 minutes early and walk the short track to one of two lookout points.

Spa Road Walk - From Spa Park, pass the Spa Park Hot Pools and walk along the track that follows the Waikato River and enjoy the fresh air and surrounding bush. The track will lead you away from the river and provides some great views of cliffs, mid-channel islands as well as the exclusive Huka Lodge. Bring your camera! Continue along the track until you hear the roaring sounds of the mighty Huka Falls. Allow two hours for the return journey or you can choose to arrange transport from the Huka Falls carpark.   

Spa Park Hot Pools - Otumuheke Stream (hot river) winds its way through a series of small natural hot pools, merging with the mighty Waikato River at Spa Park to create a wonderful free swimming hole. It is a great place to relax and soak in the open air. Get changed at the toilets before you walk down to the park, as there are no facilities at the water's edge. Please respect the natural environment around you, keep the place clean and enjoy a soak in the thermal goodness!

Arts and Crafts - Several galleries are open for viewing. Pick up an Art and Crafts brochure from either the Taupo or Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre.

 Huka Honey Hive - Enjoy free tastings of honey, mead, liqueurs and fruit wines at New Zealand’s largest showcase of honey products. View live beehives and learn about the amazing honey bee. Test a wide range of honey based skincare and wellness products including 100% Pure Active Manuka Honey, Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen. Open daily 9am-5pm. Situated off SH1 north in Wairakei Tourist Park, Lake Taupo.

Riverside Market - A market place where locals and visitors could mingle at the same place and time on a Saturday morning. Where good ideas are launched and developed. Where friends and families bump into each other. Where you can bring the dog and just  sit and catch up over a coffee. This weekly market is held every Saturday from 10am - 1pm at the Riverside Park on Redoubt Street. Fresh produce, arts & crats & so much more. Car boot sale 1st Saturday of every month.

Art in the Park - Discover artistic creations, marvel at beautiful paintings or just come to feed the ducks. Art in the park is a weekly market where local artists and craftspeople sell their own creations. The market operates on Saturdays between 10am and 3pm (subject to the weather) at Colonel Roberts Reserve on the Taupo lakefront.

Lookouts - There are a number of vantage points for sight seeing over Lake Taupo, Turangi and the surrounding areas. One lookout in particular is the Taupo Bungy platform where you can see people testing their nerves over the Waikato River.

Broadcast your picture around the world - Stand in front of the Taupo District Council building by the tree and the bench seat and be snapped by the www.GreatLakeTaupo.com lake webcam. Email friends and family and let them know to check out the live webcam at the appropriate time. The webcam snaps every 10 minutes ie 9am, 9.10am, 9.20am etc. Located at the Lake Terrace.

Walk around Great Lake Taupo - A gentle lakeside walk or cycle with stunning views of the lake and mountains or you can wander around the picturesque Taupō boat harbour, take in the atmosphere and feed the ducks.

Drive around Great Lake Taupo - Drive approximately 160km around spectacular Great Lake Taupo via the Western Bays Highway and State Highway One. Take a basket and stop at one of the many beautiful picnic and swimming spots along the way. 

Children’s Play Areas - The Great Lake Taupo region has a number of excellent play areas. Visit the Taupo or Turangi i-Sites for details.

Taupo Puzzle World - Free entry to this interactive family fun park and cafe. Just pay for activities. Open daily 10am - 4pm. Situated 10 mins north of Taupo on SH5 towards Rotorua. 

Botanical Reserve - An amazing garden built with love. Situated high on a hill, Waipahihi Botanical Reserve has spectacular views over Great Lake Taupō to the mountains of the Tongariro National Park. The free 85 acre reserve was established in 1966 and is filled with native trees and plants; developed and beautifully maintained by dedicated volunteers. Gates are open daily until dusk. Situated at the top of Shepherd Road.

Gardens - Various gardens are available for viewing throughout the Taupo region, including the award winning Chelsea Garden located at the Taupō Museum.

Opepe Reserve - This historic reserve was the scene of a massacre of nine soldiers from the Bay of Plenty Cavalry by Te Kooti's men in 1869. A short walk on the left of SH5 leads to the graves. The track on the right leads to the site of the old Opepe settlement, to the Armed Constabulary Posts watering trough and to an old saw pit. Located 17km from Lake Taupō on SH5 Napier/Taupō Road.

Rose Gardens - Over 500 rose bushes grow here. The gardens are adjacent to the Museum in Story Place, Lake Taupō.

Scented Gardens - Raised garden filled with scented shrubs and herbs for the enjoyment of the visually impaired. Tongariro North Domain, Lake Taupō.

Settler's Cemetery - A number of Taupo's early settlers are buried in this small cemetery at the lower end of Spa Road, Lake Taupō.

Skateboarding - There is a skateboard park on the corner of Spa Road and Tauhara Road, Lake Taupo.

Walking, Hiking and Tramping - There are a number of day walks around the Great Lake Taupo region ranging from 30 minutes up to a full day. Pick up either a local brochure or the Great Lake Taupo Guide to Walks and Hikes brochure from the Taupo i-Site for a small cost. 

Mountain biking & cycling - Great mountain biking and cycling trails for all levels including the Great Lake Trail and W2K. There are fabulous mountain bike tracks along the Huka Falls track and through the Craters of the Moon. Pick up a mountain biking or cycling map from the Taupo i-SITE Visitor Centre for a small cost.

Free Things To Do in Turangi Tongariro

Lookouts - There are a number of vantage points for sight seeing over Lake Taupo, Turangi and the surrounding areas. The Waihi Lookout at the southern end of the lake offers spectacular views over Tokaanu, Turangi and the Western Bays of Great Lake Taupo. Other lookouts are the Te Ponanga Saddle (SH47) that looks over the north side of the lake and Raurimu Spiral Lookout where you can view the engineering key to the Main Truck Line. 

 Bulli Point - Cliff diving, Great Lake Taupo style. Take the plunge into the fresh blue water. A great relief especially on hot sumer days. There are three ledges at Bulli Point with the highest being seven metres. To get to the point just take State highway 1 toward Turangi and watch for the sign.  You can't miss it!  It's beautiful to drive by as well.

Mountain biking & cycling - Great mountain biking and cycling trails for all levels including the Great Lake Trail, W2K and the 42nd Traverse. There are fabulous mountain bike tracks along the Huka Falls track and through the Craters of the Moon. Pick up a mountain biking or cycling map from the Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre for a small cost.

Trout Fishing Turangi and Lake Taupo - Take a picnic and watch anglers fly fish for trout at the Waitahanui Stream. Situated on SH1 south at Waitahanui. Licence required.

Tokaanu Thermal Walk - Located adjacent to the Tokaanu Thermal Pools. Free thermal bush walk, 15-20 minutes of bubbling mud and silica springs (wheelchair accessible).

Tokaanu Historic Wharf - Dates from the early 1800s and is one of the oldest structures of its kind in NZ. It is now undergoing restoration and currently you can walk two thirds of its length. A popular picnic and fishing spot.

Tongariro River Loop Walk - One hour walk alongside the world famous Tongariro River. Watch people fly fish and enjoy the views of the Kaimanawa Ranges. Pick up either a local brochure or the Great Lake Taupo Guide to Walks and Hikes brochure from the Taupo and Turangi i-Site for a small cost. 

Free Things To Do in Mangakino

Check out the dams
Park the car and walk over the impressive Whakamaru or Waipapa Dams. Walk up to the abandoned Waipapa Village site above the dam and take in the stunning views across Lake Arapuni or visit the historic dam villages of Whakamaru and Atiamuri.

Cycle & Walk the Waikato River Trails
Walkers and mountain bikers can explore a series of free riverside trails along New Zealand's longest river - the mighty Waikato. The trails cover about 100km of previously inaccessible Southern Waikato land. They wind their way along a path that encompasses the magic and beauty of New Zealand native bush, exotic forest, historic landmarks, interesting rock formations and geological delights. The Mangakino/Whakamaru cycleway and walking trails from Waipapa Dam to Atiamuri are open.

Mountain Biking
The Waikato River Trails and the mountain bike tracks in the Pureora Forest Park offer great rides no matter what your skill level. Be inspired as you walk or cycle through grassed farmland, open reserves, boardwalks over significant wetlands, and expansive lake and river views. More info on mountain biking in Pureora Forest Park from DOC. 

Maraeroa Cycleway
This cycle trail experience is a world first and a must do mountain bike ride which commences at Pa Harakeke at Pureora. It begins at the carved Pou (markers), travels past the Maori Pa, through Native Bush to Pureora Village, over the Pureora Mountain Trail, descending along the Kokakotaea River, traveling through the old tramway cuttings and over the Timber trails before emerging again at Pa Harakeke.  

Walk through Pureora Forest Park 
Pureora Forest Park straddles the Hauhungaroa and Rangitoto Ranges between Lake Taupo and Te Kuiti. It is a hidden wonderland of tall trees, clear rivers and rare wildlife. Pay a visit to "Pouakani" Totara tree, the largest known Totara in New Zealand which is over 1,500 years old and over 40 metres tall. More information about the features of the Pureora Forest Park. 

Picnic by the lake 
Pack a basket and a bottle of wine for some chill time by the lake. Head on down to Lake Whakamaru or Lake Maraetai as both lakes have excellent picnic spots. Wakeboarding and other water sports are popular here so be prepared to see some action on the lake. 

Pa Harakeke (Harakeke World)
On the edge of the Pureora Forest, Pa Harakeke is a newly established plantation of Maori Flax and Native Plants nestled in the shadow of Pureora mountain beside the Kakaho stream. Take in the magnificent landscape, breath the crisp fresh air, listen to the rich tunes of the abundant native bird life and enjoy the Pa Harakeke experience.  

Bird watching
The Pureora Forest is one of New Zealand’s finest pod carp rainforests. Climbing the forest tower takes you up into the forest canopy which will get you even closer to the bird life - including the exotic Kokako (blue wattle crow) and the shy Kaka (bush parrot).

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