Please note: Tongariro Alpine Crossing and other tracks across Tongariro National Park has reopened. Read the latest DOC update and track information here.

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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

    Round the Mountain Track

    The multi-day Round the Mountain Track located in the UNESCO dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park showcases the varied volcanic landscapes and alpine vegetation on the flanks of the active volcano Mount Ruapehu. It's a more remote alternative to the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk and will take you 4 - 6 days.

  • Walking & hiking

    Tongariro Lodge - Activities

    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.

    $365 - $1,500
  • Geothermal walks

    Tokaanu Thermal Walk

    See steaming hot mineral pools and spluttering mud pools on this short, easy walk.

  • Activities & tours

    Heli Hiking

  • Hiking & walking 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.

  • 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

    Headland Loop Trail (Great Lake Trails)

    The Headland Loop Trail starts and finishes on the W2K Trail at the top of the headland between Kinloch and Whakaipo Bay.

  • Walking & hiking

    Taupo Kayaking Adventures - Walking & Hiking Tours

    Enjoy exploring nature by foot? Let us guide you on our many beautiful and amazing hiking and walking trails around the Great Lake Taupo region.

    $100 - $250 Book now
  • Hiking & walking trails

    Kaimanawa Road short walks

    These two family short easy walks starting from Urchin Campsite at the end of Kaimanawa Road in the Kaimanawa Forest Park are perfect for families.

  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Adventure Shuttles

    Whether you want to hike it, bike it, taste it or just go see it Adventure Shuttles helps you get the buzz in the beautiful Central North Island.

    $65 - $750
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  1. Home
  2. See & do
  3. Outdoor & adventure
  4. Walking & hiking