Please note: There is a large vegetation fire in Tongariro National Park. Please avoid the area and follow official advice from the Department of Conservation.
Please note: There is a large vegetation fire in Tongariro National Park. Please avoid the area and follow official advice from the Department of Conservation.
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
Join us on one of NZ Great Walks Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Which is rich in cultural identity and dramatic, awe-inspiring natural scenery . 19.4 Kilometers allow approx 7-8 hours in Summer, 8-9 hours in Winter. Small groups up to 8 people.
From Taupo town you can ride all the way to Huka Falls (and on to Aratiatia Dam), following the course of the Waikato River along the Huka Falls Rotary Ride.
The Kawakawa Section of the Great Lake Trails is made up of the K2K Trail, Orakau Trail, and Otaketake Trail.
Several times a day the gates at the Aratiatia dam are opened to release the full flow of the river, a spectacular sight from the lookout points - kids will love it!
Voted New Zealand's Favourite Urban Ride in 2017, the Great Lake Pathway (Lion's Walk) is perfectly suited for families and offers spectacular views across Lake Taupo to the snow-capped peaks of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu.
This short loop walk from Kakaho Campsite takes in the fantastic views and the tall trees of the Pureora Forest.
Ride amongst vast stands of Kamahi, through volcanic rock formations and past the intriguing Echo Rock before you start to descend down the Kotukutuku Stream.
Walk through ancient forest, experience spectacular lake vistas, and enjoy constant birdsong on a variety of walks on the southwestern shores of Lake Taupo.
If you are unable to spend the whole day walking, join us on a half day tour, perfect for families and travellers of all ages and fitness levels. Start on the Tongariro Crossing track and walk amongst the volcanoes to the Soda Springs Waterfall.
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.
