Please note: Tongariro Alpine Crossing and other tracks across Tongariro National Park has reopened. Read the latest DOC update and track information here.
Please note: Tongariro Alpine Crossing and other tracks across Tongariro National Park has reopened. Read the latest DOC update and track information here.
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
Tongariro Lodge makes the perfect base to enjoy the World Heritage Tongariro National Park and are experts at arranging Heli-Hiking, Guided Walks and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
This short loop track is a great way for walkers and mountain bikers to experience the variety of nature in the Kaimanawa Forest Park. Highlights include stunning podocarp forest and impressive views of Lake Taupō.
The Kawakawa Section of the Great Lake Trails is made up of the K2K Trail, Orakau Trail, and Otaketake Trail.
The W2K trail is part of the Whakaipo Section of the Great Lake Trails. It provides great views across Lake Taupo and back down towards Kinloch, one of the most beautiful lakeside villages in the country.
Explore the Maraetai Trail, starting right next to the Whakamaru Dam. This scenic route takes you through the historic Whakamaru switching station and ascends gently above the river. Wander through paths lined with pine trees and pass by peaceful farmlands where sheep and livestock graze. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and local history.
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.
The Taupō region’s supervolcanic nature is on full display along the Waihora trail with its towering volcanic rock cliffs, breathtaking vistas, and secluded waterfalls.
Mount Urchin offers an easily accessible wilderness of beautiful beech forest, incredible views and a real alpine environment.
The Ketetahi Track is a section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. You can get close up views of the active Te Maari Craters.
The Waihaha Hut Track is set in native forest within the Pureora Forest Park on the western side of Lake Taupo.
