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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.
Walking and hiking trails, tours and guides
Displaying 21 - 30 of 80
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Bus & coach transport
Backyard Tours - Custom Transport Tours
Nau mai Hāere mai - Welcome to our backyard. Visitor's journey is ensured whilst enjoying views and scenic historical sights in and around Turangi, Lake Taupō and the Tongariro National Park. Choice of activities or café styles can be added too.
$70 - $90 Book now -
Heritage attractions
Te Porere Redoubt
Te Porere Redoubt is the earthworks of a Maori fortification bult by the prophet and warrior Te Kooti; the last major engagement of the New Zealand Wars was fought here in October 1869. It is open at all times.
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Hiking trails
Tama Lakes
The Tama Lakes track forms part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk and is a great alternative to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
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Hiking trails
Silica Rapids
Silica Rapids is a short easy walk in the UNESCO dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park.
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Biking trails
Headland Loop - Great Lake Trails
The Headland Loop starts and finishes on the W2K trail at the top of the headland between Kinloch and Whakaipo Bay. This extension of the W2K is a must do if you love flowing singletrack.
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Hiking trails
Round the Mountain Track
The multi-day Round the Mountain Track located in the UNESCO dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park showcases the varied volcanic landscapes and alpine vegetation on the flanks of the active volcano Mount Ruapehu. It's a more remote alternative to the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk and will take you 4 - 6 days.
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Hiking 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.
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Hiking trails
Ketetahi Track
The Ketetahi Track is a section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. You can get close up views of the active Te Maari Craters.
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Study/Education
NZ Student Travel
We organise, plan and operate small group bus tours for student groups. Whatever your needs for your group travel within New Zealand we can offer complete logistics and full operation of your tour.
$1,000 - $4,000 -
Hiking 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.
