Don't wait for a weekend! Cheeky midweeky deals >

  1. Home
  2. See & do
  3. Outdoor & adventure
  4. Walking & hiking

Walking & hiking in Taupo

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

Walking and hiking trails, tours and guides

Filter by
Map
Displaying 1 - 10 of 75
  • Hiking & walking trails

    Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve

    Perfect for families and just a short drive from Taupo on SH5, explore native bush and discover local history in this scenic and historic reserve.

  • Biking trails

    Whakaipo Section (Great Lake Trails)

    The Whakaipo Section of the Great Lake Trails is made up of the W2K Trail and the Headland Loop Trail.

  • Hiking & walking trails

    Tawhai Falls

    This short easy walk in the Tongariro National Park is accessible on foot from Whakapapa Village or a short drive to the start of the track.

  • Hiking & walking trails

    Tongariro Alpine Crossing

    The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is rated as the best one-day hike in New Zealand. Trek across a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts – steaming vents, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, alpine vegetation and vivid crater lakes, all with stunning views.

  • Geothermal walks

    Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls walk

    Walk along the banks of the Waikato River from the hot springs in Spa Thermal Park to the spectacular Huka Falls.

  • Hiking & walking trails

    Rangatira Point Track

    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.

  • Hiking & walking trails

    Mt Urchin Track

    Mount Urchin offers an easily accessible wilderness of beautiful beech forest, incredible views and a real alpine environment.

of 8 Next

Get hiking stories and deals straight to your inbox!

You may also be interested in...

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Top 25 walks and rides in Taupo

Taupo has some of the best walking and cycling trails in New Zealand from family friendly lakeside cruising to journeys deep into ancient native forest. 

Walking & Hiking

5 hidden gems to explore in the Tongariro National Park 

Family Friendly

Rainy day activities in Taupo 

Walking & Hiking

Walking trails in Taupo 

Share your #LoveTaupo stories with us

  1. Home
  2. See & do
  3. Outdoor & adventure
  4. Walking & hiking