Taupō insider guide: Top 101 great things to do

1. Witness nature’s mighty power | SH1 Wairakei

Drive, walk from town or cruise upstream to witness the awesome power of the mighty Huka Falls. As the Waikato River blasts through a narrow rocky channel, it unleashes a series of cascades culminating with an 11-meter-high waterfall plunging into the swirling, emerald waters.

2. Meet the past | Taupō town

Embrace Taupō’s vibrant heritage at Te Ātea Tapuaeharuru—a mighty sculptural installation representing Māori culture. The gigantic central hand-carved pou whenua—by Tūwharetoa artists Kingi Pitiroi and Delani Brown—depicts dozens of ancestral personalities and creatures.

3. Experience geothermal wonders | via SH1 north /SH5 from Rotorua

Discover off-the-beaten track, active geothermal sights and wonders in the hidden valley of Ōrakei Kōrako. Alternatively, take off in a float plane from Lake Taupō and land inside Aotearoa’s most active geothermal valley.

4. Admire a unique artwork  | Lake Taupō

Cruise or sail across Lake Taupō to view Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings—a giant outdoor artwork carved into a rocky cliff-face. Learn about this significant cultural artwork and how it was created.

5. Zoom in on that Taupō Tree | Waitetoko Beach

Find the Taupō answer to ‘That Wanaka Tree’. This hardy willow is growing out of the lake beside a little beachside settlement on the southeastern end of the lake. Don’t forget to tag #LoveTaupō.

6. Ride into the wild |Taupō region

Pedal across incredible volcanic landscapes on 30 wildly different trails. There’s a trail for every level of mountain biker on the Supervolcanic Trail Network.

7. Rise up over the mountain |via SH4, Mt Ruapehu

Take a Whakapapa Sky Waka flight into the UNESCO World Heritage Tongariro National Park. This spectacular 1.8 km gondola ride lands you at 2,020 m asl on Mt. Ruapehu for high tea at New Zealand’s highest dining experience.

8. Make family fun at Debretts Hot Springs | Taupō town

Relax in a steaming thermal valley while the kids let off their own steam on the hydroslides and interactive playground.

9. Jet boat to a movie location | Aratiatia

Experience exhilarating white water jet boating into a narrow canyon and the biggest commercially jet-boated rapids in Aotearoa. The journey finishes at the base of the cinematically impressive Aratiatia Rapids which famously featured in The Hobbit movie trilogy.. 

10. Follow the geothermal trail | Wairakei

Journey across an active thermal landscape at Craters of the Moon where steaming vents, bubbling craters and rainbow colours burst through from below the Earth’s crust.

11. Cruise across Lake Taupō | Taupō region

Get out on the water on a scenic cruise to experience the outstanding beauty and many different moods of Lake Taupō.

12. Wander into a fairy dell | Kinloch

Junior explorers will love the whimsical creations in the little fairy dell among the pines on the Whangamata Stream Trail. Walk, bike or bring the buggies on this easy family-friendly forest trail. Look for trout in the stream.

13. Hike into another world | Tūrangi

Challenge yourself on New Zealand’s best one-day hike. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a spectacular 19-km trek through the UNESCO Dual World Heritage Park.

14. Test your golf swing | Taupō region

Play one of Taupō’s world-famous championship golf courses (Kinloch or Wairakei Sanctuary), or choose from another seven local courses.

15. Get some honey bee buzz | Wairakei

Sweeten up your day and watch a working beehive producing honey goodness. Sample the rewards—honey, mead and ice cream and try skincare products at Huka Honey Hive. 

16. Give your feet a real treat |Taupō town

Enjoy a lakeside thermal foot spa, right in town. Taharepa Baths provide a free thermal experience for your feet. Just find a warm patch of sand and let nature do its thing.

17. Get some white water thrills | Tūrangi

Navigate 60 roller-coaster rapids on the Tongariro River, learning new skills on a thrilling journey through an unspoilt wilderness.

18. Land a trophy trout | Taupō region

Fish your heart out in trout heaven, casting a line into a rushing river or glistening lake waters. If you've never held a rod, local guides will show you the ropes of fly fishing. It's all about technique, patience, and maybe a little bit of luck.

19. Dine out on fine café food | Taupō town

Savour the best and prepare for outdoor adventures in one of the many vibrant and quirky eateries found in the welcoming hospitable heart of Taupō.

20. Chase waterfalls in the Western Bays | Taupō region

Discover hidden gems—majestic waterfalls, steep rocky cliffs and secluded beaches—far from the crowds on the remote western shore of Lake Taupō.

21. Experience pure relaxation | Wairakei

Treat yourself at Wairakei Terraces to a spa treatment after a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich—adults-only— thermal bathing pools set amongst gorgeous silica terraces.

22. Family fun on the ski slopes |Mt Ruapehu via SH4

Learn to ski or snowboard on an active volcano. Beginners thrive in Happy Valley’s extensive all-age learner facilities for skiers and snowboarders. Or rent a toboggan for a fun family snow day out. This is one magic mountain.

23. Feel nature’s raw power| Taupō region

Watch a wild rushing torrent transform a dry riverbed into a powerful waterway. Check the timetable and be on the spot three times a day as the huge Aratiatia Dam releases a vast volume of water instantly filling the narrow rocky valley below.

24. Launch out into the void | Taupō town

Admire the views from high above, then plunge 47 m (154 ft) down towards the crystal clear Waikato River on New Zealand’s highest cliff-top bungy.

25. Experience Māori manaakitanga | Taupō town

Meet locals Snow and Dinny and The Haka Shop family. Enjoy an authentic introduction to Māori culture with live performance, warm hospitality and a delicious hangi dinner cooked in the underground oven.

26. Skydive above majestic landscapes | Taupō Airport

See it all—lake, mountains and rivers—from 18,500 ft above with a tandem skydive in New Zealand’s original drop zone at Taupō Airport.

27. Saddle up for an enchanting family adventure | Tūrangi

No riding experience required. Experience beautiful scenery, learn about local Māori legends, discover the mysteries of the forest with Korohe Horse Treks. Catering for beginner riders of all ages.

28. Wrap yourself in nature | Taupō town

Spoil yourself and relax at a day spa. Feel nature’s soothing embrace with a geothermal mud wrap or a traditional volcanic stone massage. Natural thermal hot springs and spas around Lake Taupō have long been a place of rejuvenation and purification.

29. Become an eco-warrior | Tūrangi

Do your bit on a remote rafting expedition helping protect the endangered whio (blue duck)—comical creatures who love to ride the Tongariro River’s white water rapids. Spot beautiful whio along the way, and patrol trapping lines on remote riverbanks. 

30.Throw a quirky pot | Taupō town

Get your hands dirty and go creative crafting your own pottery treasure in a class with quirky potter—aka Didi. Admire her fabulous wares at Quirky Pottery Studio & Gallery.  Get your hands dirty and go creative crafting your own pottery treasure in a class with quirky potter—aka Didi. Admire her fabulous wares at Quirky Pottery Studio & Gallery. 

31. Cycle the lake | Taupō region

Save the 2025 date (29 November) for the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge and get training to create memories at NZ’s biggest cycling event. It’s a festival weekend with plenty of fun on and off the trail.

32. Capture stunning lakeview images | Taupō town

Let your creative senses and your camera loose where the lake meets land in a multitude of  Insta-worthy opportunities. The #Love Taupō sign is a good place to start.

33. Spin out under a waterfall | Wairakei

Brace yourself for jaw-dropping thrills as you jet boat up the Waikato River and into the spray from the thundering Huka Falls. Hang on tight, the 360-spins will have your heart racing.

34. Feast on the land | Taupō region

Discover the great outdoors, gathering, cooking and sharing food, and the ancient ways of Māori culture on an exclusive guided tour with Tom of Kai Waho (outdoor cuisine). This is an authentic cultural immersion, a feast where no one goes hungry.

35. Visit a well-travelled garden | Taupō town

Marvel at the 100% Pure New Zealand Ora - Garden of Wellbeing which debuted at the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show, winning a gold medal for its mist-shrouded replica pink and white terraces. Now a living exhibit at the Taupō Museum.

36. Tee off in a wildlife sanctuary | Wairakei

Mix birdlife and birdies on a round in the Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary—a championship golf course set in a predator-free wildlife sanctuary that’s home to kiwi, takahē, deer and many other curious creatures.

37. Visit an open air art gallery | Taupō town

Pick up or download a trail map and wander off the beaten path to find your way around more than 100 big bold murals adorning the laneways and back alleys of Taupō town. The annual Graffiato Street Art Festival takes place annually in October.

38. Observe art and conservation in motion | Wairakei

Step into a world-first carbon-net-zero glass blowing studio and watch the Lava Glass artists turn raw materials into stunning artworks inspired by the volcanic landscapes that surround them.

39. Look up into the universe | Taupō town

Wonder at the glories of the southern hemisphere night skies on a guided small group tour. Learn to spot constellations and celestial objects, and about celestial navigation.

40. Catch some culture | Taupō region

Go gallery-hopping to experience a vibrant art and craft culture. Taupō draws creatives and artisans whose talent adorns galleries, gift shops, artist studios and design stores.

41. Road trip Lake Taupō | Kinloch, Kuratau, Motuoapa, Omori/Pukawa, Tokaanu

Go off the beaten track (a little) to discover picturesque lakeside settlements. These popular Taupō holiday destinations are quieter during the cooler seasons but they’re also home to friendly locals. 

42. Soar high above Lake Taupō | Taupō town

Rise up into the sky on a parasail or a scenic flight to enjoy spectacular birds’-eye views of New Zealand’s greatest lake, volcanic peaks and a vast patchwork of landscapes. 

43. Jump off the rocks |Acacia Bay

Get some gentle exercise strolling the super-scenic, dog-friendly Rangatira Point Walking Track—through native bush beside the lake to rewarding panoramic views at Whakamoenga Point. Here, the sun warms flat volcanic rocks creating the perfect spot for jumping off into the water.

44. Trust the chef | Taupō town

Delight your taste buds at Embra—one of NZ’s best kept culinary secrets. This discreet little restaurant hidden away in a residential street is a seriously fine dining gem, worthy of the 2 hats bestowed by NZ’s Cuisine magazine. 

45. Gen up on the locals | Tūrangi

Before you chase the big one, find out more about world-famous Lake Taupō trout. Learn about the complete lifecycle of trout at the Tongariro National Trout Centre. During school holidays, the kids can catch one for themselves. 

46. Putt putt around Lake Taupō | Taupō town

Get into the swing at Taupō’s newest golf destination. Swingers Putt Putt takes players on an 18-hole mini golfing tour highlighting the region’s landscapes and tourism adventures. Drop in at the Taupō Tandem Sky Dive hole or ski down the Whakapapa Ski Fields. 

47. Watch world-class athletes complete | Taupō region

Join the excitement in the crowds at the annual IRONMAN New Zealand and witness the drama of top international sporting heroes competing in outstanding landscapes.

48. Maccas n’ more| Taupō town

Unique and quirky, Taupō boasts the world’s only McDonalds-in-a-plane-restaurant. The decommissioned DC3 with lake views offers cool surroundings for eating your Big Mac—the kids will love it. Just one of some outstanding takeaway stops found in Taupō.

49. Uncover a hidden gem | Tūrangi

Nestled on the plains below the forest-clad Kaimanawa Ranges, Tūrangi is basecamp for world-class fly fishing for trout on the pristine Tongariro River. It’s the gateway to the awe-inspiring beauty of Tongariro National Park, plus some lesser-known foodie gems.

50. Treats of Taupō | Taupō town

Save the dates—20-28 September 2025— for the second edition of Treats of Taupō, the culinary festival putting Taupō on the foodie map. Get to know chefs, eateries, food businesses and producers—fine products, distilleries, breweries—across multiple delectable events.

51. Get licking | Kinloch

Locals will tell you where all the best treats are found. The Kinloch Store has a loyal following for its generous triple-coned ice creams—the go-to delight for cooling down after an afternoon leaping off the lakeside pontoons or a ride on the Great Lake Trails. 

52. Walk the riverbank trail | Taupō town

Combine two unmissable Taupō destinations on one leisurely stroll alongside the Waikato River, connecting the warm waters of Otumuheke Stream and the thundering Huka Falls. Start at Spa Thermal Park.

53. Ride the Craters | Wairakei

Find your flow on the volcanic pumice trails at Craters Mountain Bike Park. These trails are grippy no matter the weather. With more than 60 km of tracks weaving through pine forests and native bush, there’s something for every level—from cruisy circuits to white-knuckle descents. 

54. Have a shot | Taupō town

Grab a club and take a careful shot at the Hole-in-One Challenge on Lake Taupō—an iconic family-friendly activity on the lakefront in Taupō town. Ace it into the hole, and you’ll take away a $10,000 prize.

55. Paddle around | Taupō region

It’s the perfect, slow travel experience—kayaking on rivers, streams and around Lake Taupō. Float down pristine aquamarine rivers and paddle into hidden, picture-perfect bays and beaches.

56. Get to know a majestic local | Taupō town

Boot up to climb to the summit of Mt Tauhara—a 65,000-year-old dormant volcano—for  the best views in town. This 2.5 km trail climbs to 1,088 metres, rewarding with panoramic views over Lake Taupō towards the sacred peaks of Tongariro National Park.

57. Go on safari | Taharua

Unplug with a stay under canvas at Poronui Safari Camp—a unique opportunity to enjoy true backcountry isolation. Fly fish, hike, horse ride, dine under the stars and fall asleep to the sound of the cascading Mohaka River.

58. Track down a dinosaur | Taupō town

Follow the sculpture trail to find 13 large public artworks around town. The latest treat is Boom Boom—a shiny, 7-metre high dinosaur perched on a rock in Riverside Park. By Kiwi sculptor Gregor Kregar, Boom Boom will delight kids and art lovers.

59. Practise the art of relaxing | Acacia Bay

Spread out in a colourful mosaic living room fashioned with thousands of pieces of ceramic tiles. A visual and edible feast, L’Arte Cafe & Gallery sits in a tranquil, art-filled garden adorned with whimsical ceramics.

60. Cruise into the sunset |  Taupō town

Round up a crew (up to 6), pack a picnic or some wine and nibbles, and launch out for a cool couple of hours on the shoreline. An electric Doughboat cruises at up to 5 knots, decked out with multi-coloured lights and Bluetooth speakers.

61. Glamp it up | Taupō region

Make the ultimate getaway in the wilderness—off piste and off grid—staying in a remote cabin or glamping site where you won’t have to give up your comforts. Imagine starlit skies, an outdoor hot tub in the bush, roasting marshmallows over an open fire.

62. Meet the makers | Taupō town

Shop for handcrafted wares and creations on Sundays at the cruisy Taupō farmers and craft market. Expect a buzz on the lakefront reserve with up to 100 vendors selling goods they’ve produced or created themselves.

63. Bike the Waikato River Trails | Mangakino

Explore the Waikato River Trails on mountain bikes or on foot. Crossing the 70-metre suspension bridge over the Mangakino Stream is one of many highlights on these accessible riverside trails.

64. Shop till you drop | Taupō town

Shoppers love the compact, pedestrian-friendly Taupō downtown for its eclectic mix of boutiques specialising in fashion, vintage treasures, designer homewares, ceramics, art and craft galleries, and vibrant cafe scene.

65. Go forest bathing | Tūrangi

Discover some of the most beautiful summits and hiking trails in Kaimanawa Forest Park, just a short drive from Tūrangi.

66. Squeeze in | Taupō town

Squeeze yourself into a rocky cavern to discover a secret hot spring. Kayak up the Waikato River and wade into a hidden valley through rocky gaps to relax in a hot pool under a waterfall.

67. Paddle into dawn | Lake Taupō

Get up early and hire a kayak for a dawn paddle—glide past deserted shorelines to the remarkable Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carving. Brave the morning chill with a post-paddle plunge.

68. Play around | Taupō town

Pick up a disc and play a round of disc golf in beautiful Spa Park. It’s an easy, fun, all-age activity. The Taupō Disc Golf Course has cred—recognised in the Top 100 disc golf courses in the world by the UDisc app—and has hosted national champs.

69. Learn from the masters | Tūrangi

Learn the art of catching the world's best trout at Tūrangi— a fisherman’s Mecca. Even if you've never held a rod, local guides will show you the ropes of fly fishing. It's all about technique, patience, and maybe a little bit of luck.

70. Relax naturally | Taupō town

Make your way into Spa Thermal Park and follow the trail to naturally heated springs in the Otumuheke Stream. Soak in steamy cascading rock pools while watching the soothing flow of the deep green, crystal clear Waikato River.

71. Log off in the forest | Mangakino

Conquer the Timber Trail. This 85 km, grade 3 trail for experienced riders travels deep into the Pureora Forest—virgin native forest spared from 20th century exploitation—and across ancestral Māori lands. The 140-metre-long suspension bridge is the longest on any NZ cycleway.

72. Eat local | Taupō town

Sink your teeth into a delish Jimmy Coops Lakeman burger, coupled with a craft beer and the genuine goodness of a local farm-to-table experience. Fun fact: the burgers and beer served here come off the same farm, the same grain that brews the beer also feeds the cattle.

73. Be first | Tūrangi  

Start your day with sunrise on Lake Rotopounamu—the greenstone lake. This emerald lake hidden in ancient native bush occupies a crater nestled into the side of Mount Pihanga. Absolutely still at dawn, it’s pure magic for that thumb-stopping shot.

74. Escape the ordinary | Taupō town

Work together to make your escape (or not) from alternative reality on a Confinement Escapes themed adventure. Learn to think outside the box, solving clues and working your way out. Immersive, fun and perfect for rainy days.

75. Fuel up | Tūrangi

Line up with the serious anglers and catch a great coffee at Delta Coffee on SH1 beside the trout-filled Tongariro River. It’s a handy stopping off point before leaving Tūrangi, for walkers and cyclists on the Tongariro River Trail.

76. Check into history | Taupō town

Established in 1889 as the Terraces Hotel, Hilton Lake Taupō has been refurbished into a contemporary 5-star stay wrapped into a storied heritage building. Enjoy fine dining, high teas and cocktails at Bistro Lago along with heated outdoor pools, sauna and spa facilities, fitness centre and tennis courts.

77. Climb the Stairway to Heaven | Whakamaru

Hike five flights of stairs at the Ongaroto Bluffs on the Whakamaru to Atiamuri trail and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Whakamaru and the peaks of Kaahu and Whakaahu.

78. Explore the lake’s edge | Taupō town

Follow the Great Lake Pathway—a gentle 10-km paved trail from the harbour to Five Mile Bay. This easy, flat bike ride or walk is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. Enjoy lakeside reflections, mountain vistas and photogenic boardwalks.

79. Check out a local icon | Taupō town

Start the day with picture-perfect sunrise views across the lake to Acacia Bay hills, or drop in for an evening of brews and woodfired pizzas at Two Mile Bay Sailing Club. This local fave extends right out over the lake.

80. Dip in off a boat | Lake Taupō

Visit the Māori Rock Carvings in Mine Bay then freshen up with a dip in the water. Try that from the Ernest Kemp—a replica vintage steamboat. At an average speed of 9 knots, this cruise is true slow travel, so settle in, relax and enjoy the ride.

81. Caffeine up | Taupō town

Stop off for a caffeine fix and front row views at the renovated retro coffee trailer aka The Steaming Bean. This year-round fixture on the Taupō lakefront serves up classic coffee—try a sweet iced coffee in summertime.

82. Launch out | Lake Taupō

Captain a motor boat (4-8 passengers) or a two-seater jet ski. Hire a LAKeFUN boat and set your own pace, cruise over to the Maōri Rock Carvings, fish, waterski, wake board or biscuit— fun for all ages.

83. Ogle river giants | Mangakino

Marvel at extraordinary engineering feats on the Waikato River hydroelectricity projects. Viewing platforms above the largest, the Maraetai Dam—built in the 1940s and 50s—offer amazing views of twin dams, two powerhouses and Lake Maraetai. Stand at the top of the towering Whakamaru Dam to look down into the river far below.

84. Rev up | Taupō town

Experience high-speed excitement when the mighty roar of the ITM Taupō Super 440 rolls into town. Mark your calendars for 3 action-packed April racing days at the Taupō International Motorsport Park—on and off-track.

85. Stretch your legs | Tūrangi

Spot fishermen patiently casting into their favourite pools and, if you’re lucky, a trout or two lazing in super clear waters. The family-friendly (dogs included) Tongariro River Trail follows the river bank for a short 1-hour walk via the Major Jones’ Bridge or a scenic 3-hour loop.

86. Look back into history | via SH47, Tūrangi to National Park

In the shadow of Mount Tongariro, the two impressive British-style redoubts at Te Porere were the site of the last major battle of the New Zealand Wars in 1869—a sombre reminder of the region’s turbulent history.

87. Paddleboard with the prawns | Wairakei

Visit a tasty theme park. Catch and eat freshwater prawns, paddleboard or ride a giant swan (boat) at the quirky Huka Prawn Park.

88. Cook up some fun | Taupō town

Get some quality time in the kitchen learning to make a wood-fired pizza, dumplings, bread or cakes from scratch at The River Road Kitchen. Chef Michelle Steel’s private cooking classes are all about really good food and amazing food experiences.

89. Go heli-biking | Tūrangi

Fly up then bike down a private grade 3 mountain bike track. Mountain biking enthusiasts Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures heli-port bikers and their bikes up to the trailhead (at 1673 m) to begin this thrilling downhill adventure.

90. Journey volcanic-scarred landscapes | Whakapapa Village

Kick off your adventures from Whakapapa Village—an alpine village where epic hikes begin at your doorstep—from quick 15-minute strolls through hardy forests to multi-day treks across rugged lava-scarred slopes.

91. Treat your significant other royally | Taupō

Enjoy world-class service fit for kings and queens at iconic Huka Lodge. New Zealand’s ‘grande dame’ of luxury lodges has reopened after a major redevelopment, and it’s now even more discreet and luxurious.

92. Run or walk | Mangakino

Follow the heritage trail at Mangakino. Set out from the Mangakino lakefront for a scenic run or walk, heading north towards Maraetai Dam on a 4 km trail that’s pleasantly shaded in summer. Explore the heritage trail displays featuring fascinating snippets and impressive views.

93. Admire the flowers | Taupō town

Wander through the prettiest spot in town. Waipahihi Botanical Reserve—on a hilltop overlooking Lake Taupō—is a sweeping 35-ha reserve with a network of trails and varied plant collections. Enjoy an eruption of colourful blooms in spring or go on a rock hunt for painted Taupō rocks.

94. Go for Gollum | SH48, Tongariro National Park

Spot the spectacular 13-m high Tawhai Falls as they tumble down over the edge of an ancient lava flow in Tongariro National Park. It’s a short 500 m bush walk (each way) to reach the movie location of Gollum’s pool from The Lord of the Rings movie: The Two Towers.

95. Stand face-to-face with giants | Taupō town

Get up close with a moa skeleton—an extinct flightless bird unique to Aotearoa. At Taupō Museum & Art Gallery, this toe-to-beak encounter with the past offers a glimpse into the ancient creatures that once roamed the region’s forests.

96. Ride into remote beauty | Kinloch

Flow down the Waihaha Trail—a section of the Great Lake Trails—on the wild western edge of the caldera, soaking up two-wheeled goodness as you wind through native bush and past towering cliffs. Finish on a secluded beach, then cruise back to civilisation by water taxi.

97. Hug a forest giant | via SH5, 17 km from Taupō town

Stand beneath a towering 30-metre-high rimu and wrap your arms around centuries of forest history. In Ōpepe Scenic and Historic Reserve wander peaceful tracks lined with native bush and relics of the region’s early European settlement.

98. Explore ancient forests | Taupō region

Journey back into time in a treasured landscape of Pureora Forest Park—a stately forest sheltering some of NZ’s rarest creatures and oldest trees. Explore the Rimu Walk, Waihora Lagoon and climb to the summit of Mt Pureora for panoramic views.

99. Navigate volcanic forces | Tūrangi

Wander around spluttering mud pools and bubbling crystal-clear thermal springs amid lush, regenerating native bush on the short Tokaanu Thermal Walk. For centuries, Ngāti Kurauia have treasured Tokaanu Stream for cooking, dyeing, and healing. Soothe your muscles afterwards with a relaxing soak in the nearby Tokaanu Thermal Pools.

100. Let the kids loose | Taupō region

With more than 60 playgrounds to explore, there’s something for every kind of adventurer. Discover play spaces themed around local stories—like the Tongariro River and maunga central to the people of Tūrangi—or cool off at lakeside playgrounds and floating pontoons in Lake Maraetai, perfect for summer dipping.

101. Gaze into an ancient lava chasm | via SH 1, 15 km south of Tūrangi

Peer over a suspension bridge to see how the Tongariro River has sculpted deep, twisting chasms into ancient lava rock that cooled 350,000 years ago. A quick, easy detour along Kaimanawa Road while travelling the Desert Road.