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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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  • Biking trails

    W2K Trail - Great Lake Trails

    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.

  • Volcanic/Geothermal

    Mt Ruapehu Summit Plateau Guided Group Hike From Taupo

    Our guides are personable, qualified and ready to guide you on one of New Zealand’s best 1-day walk. Adrift provides instruction, transport, equipment and gear hire. This is a great hike and does require a good level of fitness.

    $825 Book now
  • Hiking & walking trails

    Rimu Walk

    This short loop walk from Kakaho Campsite takes in the fantastic views and the tall trees of the Pureora Forest.

  • Walking & hiking

    Tongariro Guided Walks

    Quality Guided Walking Experiences in an around Tongariro National Park. Our knowledgeable and caring Guides make your day as comfortable and fun as possible in landscapes that will captivate and amaze you. All year round, all equipment provided.

    $120 - $495 Book now
  • Biking trails

    Great Lake Pathway (Lion's Walk)

    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.

  • Hiking & walking trails

    Huka Falls Lookout Walk

    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.

  • 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
  • Biking trails

    Rotary Ride

    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.

  • Biking trails

    Otaketake Trail - Great Lake Trails

    The newest section of the Great Lake Trails can be ridden by itself (12km) or part of a 36km loop that starts and finishes in Kinloch.

  • Bus & coach transport

    Backyard Tours

    Backyard Tours transport services customers from Turangi or National Park Village 'Park n Ride' to Mt Ruapehu Whakapapa Ski fields and to hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Turangi or the Private Tongariro Shuttle Car Park on SH46.

    $50 - $100 Book now
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