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
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the shimmering caldera of Lake Taupō, this sweeping reserve, with its network of trails through different plant collections, is a relaxing haven for visitors.
Begin at Bus Stop Café, enjoy narrow forest trails, see historic dam foundations, cross wetland boardwalks, and finish at Waipapa Power Station, featuring technical paths, steep sections, and stunning views of sandstone cliffs and the river. Ideal for adventurous riders seeking a challenging and scenic route
The Waihaha Hut Track is set in native forest within the Pureora Forest Park on the western side of Lake Taupo.
Start at Whakamaru Dam, enjoy panoramic lake views, see Pohaturoa Rock, ride through forests and along the river, crossing small bridges and boardwalks, and finish at Dam Café. Scenic and moderately challenging with beautiful landmarks, perfect for a rewarding adventure
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.
We offer a one way Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttle service hourly from the Tongariro shuttle car park at the finish point of the hike to the starting point Mangatepopo.
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.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular tramping tracks, and is considered the most popular one-day alpine hikes in New Zealand. One of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’ – a must do in this area.
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.
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.
