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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

    Waikato River Walking Track

    This shared-use track starts at the Huka Falls carpark and ends at Otupo Flat.

  • Biking trails

    Waihaha Section

    Discover the Waihaha section of the Great Lake Trails made up of two interconnected trails: the Waihaha Link and the Waihora Link. The Taupō region’s supervolcanic nature is on full display with towering volcanic rock cliffs, breathtaking vistas, and a secluded waterfall nestled within the Waihaha Valley.

  • 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
  • Biking trails

    The Karapiro Trail

    Start at Rhubarb Café, visit the historic suspension bridge, ride through native forests and farmland, explore boardwalks and sculptures, and pass through Huihuitaha Wetland to finish at Pokaiwhenua Bridge carpark. The trail offers a mix of gentle undulations and scenic views, making it perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable ride.

  • 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.

  • Biking trails

    Waihaha Link

    Situated within the Waihaha Section of the Great Lake Trails, the Waihaha Link Trail begins at the Waihaha River carpark and winds along the Waihaha River towards Lake Taupō. The route offers stunning views of the volcanic terrain, with the impressive Tieke Falls serving as a standout feature

  • Biking trails

    The Waipapa Trail

    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

  • Biking trails

    Whakaipo Section (Great Lake Trails)

    The Whakaipo Section of the Great Lake Trails is made up of the W2K Trail and the Headland Loop Trail.

  • Biking trails

    Timber Trail

    The 85km long Timber Trail is a unique mountain bike ride across ancestral Maori lands, taking you deep into the ancient Pureora Forest Park in New Zealand's central North Island.

  • Walking & hiking

    Chris Jolly Outdoors - Tongariro Alpine Crossing

    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.

    $2,140 Book now
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  1. Home
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  3. Outdoor & adventure
  4. Walking & hiking