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Walking & hiking
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 77
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Hiking trails
Tongariro Northern Circuit
Explore the volcanic heart of Tongariro National Park through a landscape of stark glacial contrasts and alpine views. Discover diverse landscapes ranging from mountain beech forest, tussock country and sculptured sands and volcanic rock on this 3 - 4 day Department of Conservation Great Walk.
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Hiking trails
Oruatua Walk
At the mouth of the Tauranga-Taupō River in the small village of Oruatua, there are two easy walking tracks to enjoy the river, the native bush of the reserves and the expansive lake views.
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Maori Cultural Attractions
Backyard Tours
Nau mai Hāere mai - Welcome to our backyard. Sit back, buckle in and relax as we drive you around Turangi to Tongariro National Park, the first Dual World-Heritage Park. Tours for you in-mind and we can custom transfers to suit. Contact us today!
$60 - $180 -
Boat cruises
Go Explore NZ
At Go Explore NZ, we offer a variety of guided full day tours that will give you a personal experience of the Central North Island.
$180 - $230 Book now -
Hiking trails
Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve Walk
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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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.
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Cycling & mountain biking
Otaketake section of the Great Lake Trails
The newest section of the Great Lake Trails can be ridden by itself (10km) or part of a 36km loop that starts and finishes in Kinloch.
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Hiking 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.
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Bed & breakfast
Tongariro Adventures
We’d love to host you in our unique part of paradise here at Kuratau, on the southern shores of Lake Taupo, under the majestic mountains of Tongariro National Park. The many wonderful experiences the region has to offer are at our doorstep.
$145 - $180 Book now -
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.