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Mount Tauhara summit, Taupō
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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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  • Hiking & walking trails

    Mt Urchin Track

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

  • 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
  • Hiking & walking trails

    Oruatua Walk

    At the mouth of the Tauranga-Taupo 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.

  • Hiking & walking trails

    Kawakawa Section

    The Kawakawa Section of the Great Lake Trails is made up of the K2K Trail, Orakau Trail, and Otaketake Trail.

  • Fishing – Fresh Water

    River Birches Guided Fly Fishing Package

    Working with some of the areas finest professional guides we will organize everything you need from waders, licenses, rods and transport to make your fishing adventure memorable.

    $2,999 - $3,000
  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing

    Mountain shuttle

    We offer a one way Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttle service hourly from the Tongariro shuttle car park at the finish point of the hike to the starting point Mangatepopo.

    $25 - $35 Book now
  • Fishing – Fresh Water

    Riverstone Fly Fishing Guides

    Riverstone Fly Fishing offers guided fly fishing day, multi-day or overnight camp out trips throughout the Taupo, Tongariro and Central North Island. We specialize in tailoring your experience to the adventure you seek & the time you have available.

    $600 - $650
  • 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.

  • Activities & tours

    Heli Hiking

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