Taupo, Turangi & Tongariro Walks, Tramps & Hikes

A beautiful place to take a hike

The Great Lake Taupo region is a nature lover's paradise and offers some of the best walks and hikes in the world.

The walks cover a range of environments from alphine terrain, lake and river trails to tracks in thermal and historic areas.

Just south of Lake Taupo is the Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s first national park and a World Heritage Area and home to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best hikes in the world.

On the western side of the lake, the Pureora Conservation Park is home to such rare creations as the shy Kaka or bush parrot. To the east of the lake, the Kaimanawa Ranges contain vast ancient beech forests. And at the lake’s southern end is one of the world’s most famous trout rivers, the Tongariro River.

What ever your passion when it comes to walking, hiking and cycling you'll find it in and around Great Lake Taupo - from Taupo to Turangi; Kinloch to the Kaimanawas.

5 TOP WALKS

1. Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls (2hrs return) – Signposted track begins from the Spa Thermal Park carpark on County Ave (off Spa Road).

2. Huka Falls to Aratiatia Rapids (4hrs return) – Track begins over the bridge at Huka Falls. Try to time your arrival at the rapids when the dam is due to open. Check times with the Taupö i-Site Visitor Centre.

3. Great Lake Walkway (time varies) – Track begins anywhere on Lake Terrace and heads around the lake towards Turangi. Finish at Wharewaka Point, or continue as far as Five Mile Bay.

4. Rangatira Point Walking Track (1.5hrs return) – The track begins off Acacia Bay Road, and leads around the lakeshore to Totara Bay. The main track continues on to Rangatira Point and loops back to meet the road.

5. Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch (4.5hrs) – Track begins at Whakaipo Bay,head right and climb over the stile to begin. It is fully signposted and family friendly. Care should be taken as it is a shared mountain bike track.

For more information on cycling and mountain biking purchase the Guide to Walks & Hikes around the Great Lake Taupo District below at a local visitor information centre.

TAUPO TOWN WALKS

At the time of early European settlement (late 1860s and 1870s), Taupō 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 Taupō’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 Taupō 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 Taupō>>

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 1.5 hours, 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>>

Walking the W2K with your dogs

Posted on Wednesday, 25 January 2012

Native bush and outstanding views of Lake Taupo and the volcanoes of the Central Plateau. We’ve found the best way to spend a quiet day with the dogs in Taupo is to go for a nice long walk on one of the many lakeside tra...

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