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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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  • Walking & hiking

    2 Hour Pre Sunset Guided Group Walk - Adrift Tongariro

    One of Tongariro National Park’s best short walks. Adrift provides professional guides and instruction, transport, equipment and gear hire. We guide every day and guarantee trip departures with wind rain snow and even shine.

    $195 Book now
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Biking trails

    Waihora Link

    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.

  • Walking & hiking

    Walking or Hiking the Waihora Trail

    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.

    $90 - $159 Book now
  • 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

    Craters Mountain Bike Park - Loop A

    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.

  • Biking trails

    Orakau Trail (Great Lake Trails)

    The Orakau Trail is a nice gradual downhill which takes you through stunning native wetlands before dropping you into the secluded Kawakawa Bay.

  • Biking trails

    The Maraetai Trail

    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.

  • Bus & coach transport

    Tongariro Expeditions Taupo Return Shuttle for Tongariro Alpine Crossing

    Taupo return shuttle picks you up from Taupo takes you to the track start then picks you up from the end of the track and takes you back to Taupo again. We give you a free map and information sheet.

    $130 Book now
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  4. Walking & hiking