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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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  • Custom transfers

    Mangakino Shuttle Service

    Enjoy the Beautiful Scenery of the famous Waikato River Trail as you Bike or walk in an ever-changing, Breathtaking landscape, for just a few hours, or travel more of the trail over 2 to 5 days. Shuttle, Bike Hire and accommodation available.

    $20 - $60
  • Hiking & walking trails

    Kaimanawa Road short walks

    These two family short easy walks starting from Urchin Campsite at the end of Kaimanawa Road in the Kaimanawa Forest Park are perfect for families.

  • Geothermal

    Spa Thermal Park

    Spa Thermal Park is home of the famous Otumuheke Stream hot pools. From here, you can also explore the Huka scenic walking trails and the Rotary Ride mountain bike trail.

  • Walking & hiking

    Premium Tongariro Crossing Guided Group Walk - Adrift Tongariro

    Our guides are personable, qualified and ready to guide you on one of New Zealand’s best 1-day walks. Adrift provides instruction, transport, equipment and gear hire. We guide every day and guarantee trip departures with wind, rain, snow and shine.

    $900 Book now
  • Biking trails

    Timber Trail

    The 85km long Timber Trail is a unique mountain bike ride across ancestral Maori lands, taking you deep into the ancient Pureora Forest Park in New Zealand's central North Island.

  • Hiking & walking trails

    Huka Falls Lookout Walk

    Take a scenic walk along the banks of the Waikato River, or simply explore the many lookout points at Huka Falls, one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand - these short, easy walks are great for kids.

  • Walking & hiking

    Chris Jolly Outdoors - Tongariro Alpine Crossing

    The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular tramping tracks, and is considered the most popular one-day alpine hikes in New Zealand. One of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’ – a must do in this area.

    $2,140 Book now
  • Biking trails

    The Karapiro Trail

    Start at Rhubarb Café, visit the historic suspension bridge, ride through native forests and farmland, explore boardwalks and sculptures, and pass through Huihuitaha Wetland to finish at Pokaiwhenua Bridge carpark. The trail offers a mix of gentle undulations and scenic views, making it perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable ride.

  • Custom transfers

    Shuttle - Tongariro Adventures Limited

    Our personalised shuttle service is at your service. We can transfer you to and/or from your bus, train, or plane connections. We deliver and collect you from the adventure playgrounds of the Tongariro area at times to suit you - You're the guest.

    $20 - $110
  • Biking trails

    Waihaha Section

    Discover the Waihaha section of the Great Lake Trails made up of two interconnected trails: the Waihaha Link and the Waihora Link. The Taupō region’s supervolcanic nature is on full display with towering volcanic rock cliffs, breathtaking vistas, and a secluded waterfall nestled within the Waihaha Valley.

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