Nothing brings you closer to Taupo’s unforgettable wilderness than walking through it.
Taupo’s untouched ancient forests and swamplands, impressive geothermal wonderlands, and breath-taking volcanoes are crisscrossed with excellent walking and hiking tracks of all lengths and levels of difficulty. From pleasant lakefront and riverside strolls like the Great Lake Walkway and Huka Falls trails, through to the Tongariro River Trail and Lake Rotopounamu native bush walks ringing with birdsong, to the epic full-day alpine trek known as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which treks across a cratered volcanic moonscape dotted with gemstone-coloured lakes.
Thermal walkways at Craters of the Moon and Orakei Korako expose the power and mystery of the earth’s inner workings in the strange and wonderful landscapes of Taupo’s geothermal areas, and walks in the Pureora Forest Park take you deep into a magical and ancient world of moss covered trees, crystal-clear rivers and melodious birdsong.
Taupo has some of the best walking tracks in New Zealand, all just awaiting the addition of your boot-prints.
Explore them below, then start planning your walk with New Zealand Mountain Safety Council's Plan My Walk app. An awesome app that provides you with useful information on each track with active alerts, the weather forecast, and the essential gear to bring. Click here to check it out
We specialise in hiking and canoeing adventures throughout the Whanganui and Tongariro National Parks, including the famous, The Tongariro Alpine Crossing. We operate all year and and whether you’re a novice or keen adventurer we have a tour to suit.
Transport Shuttles for the Tongariro Crossing Park & Ride from Ketetahi. This is the most flexible, cost effective way to get to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Orakei Korako 'The Place of Adorning' - a spectacular Geothermal attraction. Lonely Planet Travellers Guide writes: “Orakei Korako is arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand".
You can combine these hiking tracks for a multi-night tramp with lush beech forest, river crossings and wildlife.
From Taupo town you can ride all the way to Huka Falls (and on to Aratiatia Dam), following the course of the Waikato River along the Huka Falls Rotary Ride.
Take a guided walk through native bush around the stunning Lake Taupo region or the Tongariro National Park.
Voted New Zealand's Favourite Urban Ride in 2017, the Great Lake Pathway (Lion's Walk) is perfectly suited for families and offers spectacular views across Lake Taupo to the snow-capped peaks of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu.
Several times a day the gates at the Aratiatia dam are opened to release the full flow of the river, a spectacular sight from the lookout points - kids will love it!
This easy walk winds through native bush along the lake edge, offering fantastic views and great picnic, swimming and fishing spots. It's perfect for families and those wanting to enjoy Lake Taupo.
Riverstone Fly Fishing offers guided fly fishing day, multi-day or overnight camp out trips throughout the Taupo, Tongariro and Central North Island. We specialize in tailoring your experience to the adventure you seek & the time you have available.
