Walks & Hikes in Taupo
A beautiful place to take a hike
Many outdoor activities are available here. Some of the most popular are walking, hiking and cycling. This brochure gives a brief outline of walks and tracks around Lake Taupo - from the town of Taupo to Turangi; from Kinloch to the Kaimanawas. They cover a range of environments from lake and river walks to tracks in thermal and historic areas. Cycling opportunities included in this brochure are shared with pedestrians. A dedicated cycle brochure is also available from local visitor information centres.
As the Taupo area continues to grow more walking and cycling tracks will develop. An example is the planned Bike Taupo Track from Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch.
 | Walks and Hikes Brochure Adobe Acrobat Document: 1007 KB, 2.4 minutes @ 56kbps DOC brochure |
TAUPO TOWN WALKS
At the time of early European settlement (late 1860s and 1870s), Taupo was known as Tapuaeharuru and was considered by the government of the time to be strategically important as it stood at ‘the crossroads’ of the North Island. Traditional Maori tracks from all around the central North Island converged here. These tracks made up a communication network the government thought prudent to control. more town walks>>
WALKS CLOSE TO TAUPO TOWN
Walkways link many of Lake Taupo’s residential streets, gullies and reserves – look out for the ‘Walkway’ signs. more walks close to town>>
WALKS FURTHER OUT OF TOWN
Kawakawa Bay Walking Track Time: 4 hours return
Travel north from Taupo on SH 1 over the Waikato River. At the top of the hill turn left into Poihipi Road and follow signs to Kinloch (24 km). Go past the boat marina to a parking area by the beach in Nisbett Terrace. The track to Kawakawa Bay begins at the western end of the beach to the right of the parking area. The track entrance is signposted. Glorious views feature as the track climbs from Whangamata Bay and sidles along the top of a broad cliff. The bush is dominated by rewarewa but look out for the giant matai too. Once you reach the rocky lookout the track drops down to Kawakawa Bay. more walks out of town>>
WEST TAUPO WALKS
Rimu Walking Track Time: 30 minutes for the circuit
A pleasant loop track though stunning podocarp forest. Cross the bridge at the Kakaho Campground and follow the river around to a great swimming hole. From here there is a climb up to a lookout with good views of Mount Pureora then you circle back to join the road just above the campground. more walks west of Taupo>>
WALKS NEAR TURANGI
Motutere/Waipehi Walking Track Time: 1.5 hours return via the same track
Located approximately 22 km north of Turangi on SH 1. After passing Hallett’s Bay, then Jellicoe Point, get ready to park on the left opposite the north end of the Motutere motor camp. more walks near Turangi>>
KAIMANAWA FOREST PARK
Kiko Road Walking Track Time: 1 to 1 hour 30 minutes, loop track
Drive 10 km north of Turangi on SH 1. Turn right into Kiko Road and continue for another 17 km to the Kaimanawa Forest Park carpark. Do not deviate from the main Kiko Road into the adjacent privately owned pine forest. more walks in the Kaimanawas>>
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