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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

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  • Biking trails

    Orakau Trail (Great Lake Trails)

    The Orakau Trail is a nice gradual downhill which takes you through stunning native wetlands before dropping you into the secluded Kawakawa Bay.

  • Walking & hiking

    Half Day Tongariro Alpine Guided Group Walk meet at Adrift Tongariro Base

    If you are unable to spend the whole day walking, join us on a half day tour, perfect for families and travellers of all ages and fitness levels. Start on the Tongariro Crossing track and walk amongst the volcanoes to the Soda Springs Waterfall.

    $350 Book now
  • Biking trails

    Otaketake Trail - Great Lake Trails

    The newest section of the Great Lake Trails can be ridden by itself (12km) or part of a 36km loop that starts and finishes in Kinloch.

  • Hiking & walking trails

    Link Road to Mount Pureora track

    This track is the shortest route to the top of Mount Pureora. On a clear day walkers are rewarded with views across Lake Taupō, the Mamaku Ranges, Mount Taranaki, and Mount Ruapehu.

  • 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.

  • Walking & hiking

    Tongariro Guided Walks

    Quality Guided Walking Experiences in an around Tongariro National Park. Our knowledgeable and caring Guides make your day as comfortable and fun as possible in landscapes that will captivate and amaze you. All year round, all equipment provided.

    $120 - $495 Book now
  • Biking trails

    Waihaha Link

    Situated within the Waihaha Section of the Great Lake Trails, the Waihaha Link Trail begins at the Waihaha River carpark and winds along the Waihaha River towards Lake Taupō. The route offers stunning views of the volcanic terrain, with the impressive Tieke Falls serving as a standout feature

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  1. Home
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  3. Outdoor & adventure
  4. Walking & hiking