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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 31 - 40 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 -
Cycling & mountain biking
W2K section of the Great Lake Trails
The W2K section of the Great Lake Trails provides great views across Lake Taupo and back down towards Kinloch, one of the most beautiful lakeside villages in the country.
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Maori culture
Opotaka Historic Reserve
Opotaka is a historical Māori pa site (fortified village) where you can learn about the history of the famous Ka Mate Haka, see the remains of the Māori settlement, and enjoy spectacular views across Lake Rotoaira to Mt Tongariro.
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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
Rimu Walk
This short loop walk from Kakaho Campsite takes in the fantastic views and the tall trees of the Pureora Forest.
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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.
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Hiking 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.
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Cycling & mountain biking
Waikato River Trails
Mountain bikers can explore a series of trails along New Zealand's longest river - the mighty Waikato River. The trails cover about 100 kilometres of previously inaccessible Southern Waikato land from Lake Karapiro to the Atiamuri Dam.
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Walking & hiking
2 Hour Sunset Guided Walk Meet at Adrift Tongariro Base
Maximise your travel day to or from Tongariro National Park. Adrift provides professional guides and instruction, transport, equipment and gear hire. We guide every day and guarantee trip departures with wind rain snow and even shine.
$130 Book now -
Volcanic/Geothermal
Orakei Korako Cave & Geothermal Park
Orakei Korako 'The Place of Adorning' - a spectacular Geothermal attraction. Lonely Planet Travellers Guide writes… “ Orakei Korako is arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand".
$39 Book now
