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
There’s nothing technical on this loop, making it perfect for first-time trailblazers and families—an excellent introduction to Craters MTB Park. It winds through epic volcanic landscapes and under towering pines, with smooth berms and mellow climbs to keep everyone cruising happily along.
Silica Rapids is a short easy walk in the UNESCO dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park.
This short easy walk in the Tongariro National Park is accessible on foot from Whakapapa Village or a short drive to the start of the track.
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.
Wander among ancient towering trees and discover relics of the area's fascinating pioneering history, only a short drive from Taupō.
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.
See steaming hot mineral pools and spluttering mud pools on this short, easy walk.
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.
Riverstone Fly Fishing offers guided fly fishing day, multi-day or overnight camp out trips throughout the Taupo, Tongariro and Central North Island. We specialize in tailoring your experience to the adventure you seek & the time you have available.
Choose a private tour for a personalised, flexible, stress-free experience. Your guide tailors the day to your pace, interests, and fitness, and manages all logistics and safety delivering an exclusive, unforgettable adventure.
