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Dog friendly tracks in Taupō
Explore Taupō's walking and biking tracks with your dog. From lush forests to geothermal wonders.
Whether you're after a scenic walk, a day by the water or some exercise surrounded by nature, the Taupō region boasts a range of trails for you and your canine family members.
For those with dogs that love to make a splash, the Great Lake Pathway and the Rangatira Point Track are paw-fect short walks with easy access to the always-refreshing Lake Taupo.
For nature lovers looking to be submerged in the scenery while your furry friend has room to run around, you should consider the Opepe Scenic & Historic Reserve Walk, the Tongariro River Trail (great for mountain bikers) and the Whangamata Stream Trail; you may even see some trout in the stream!
If you're after some exciting exercise for you and your pooch, try out Craters MTB Park (mixed grades for all skill levels) or the W2K section of the Great Lake Trails; great for both walkers and bikers, and your pup has access to drinking water at the top and Lake Taupo at the bottom.
Explore Taupō's dog friendly trails
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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.
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Biking trails
Huka Trails
Ride a network of trails that wind along the Waikato River, connecting Taupo town with Huka Falls, Aratiatia Dam, Wairakei Tourist Park and Craters Mountain Bike Park.
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Hiking & walking trails
Kawakawa Section (Great Lake Trails)
The Kawakawa Section of the Great Lake Trails is made up of the K2K Trail, Orakau Trail, and Otaketake Trail.
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Hiking & walking trails
Kiko Loop Track
This short loop track is a great way for walkers and mountain bikers to experience the variety of nature in the Kaimanawa Forest Park. Highlights include stunning podocarp forest and impressive views of Lake Taupō.
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Hiking & walking trails
Mt Urchin Track
Mount Urchin offers an easily accessible wilderness of beautiful beech forest, incredible views and a real alpine environment.
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Hiking & walking trails
Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve
Perfect for families and just a short drive from Taupo on SH5, explore native bush and discover local history in this scenic and historic reserve.
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Volcanic/Geothermal
Orakei Korako Cave & Geothermal Park
Orakei Korako 'The Place of Adorning' - a spectacular Geothermal attraction. Lonely Planet Travellers Guide writes: “ Orakei Korako is arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand".
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Hiking & walking trails
Rangatira Point Track
This easy walk winds through native bush along the lake edge, offering fantastic views and great picnic, swimming and fishing spots. It's perfect for families and those wanting to enjoy Lake Taupo.
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Geothermal
Spa Thermal Park
Spa Thermal Park is home of the famous Otumuheke Stream hot pools. From here, you can also explore the Huka scenic walking trails and the Rotary Ride mountain bike trail.
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Biking trails
Te Iringa Track
Te Iringa is a 19km long return mountain bike ride and one of the most technical grade 5 trails in New Zealand. For avid mountain bikers this is trail you must tick off your bucket list.
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Biking trails
Tongariro River Trail
Discover stunning native bush, winding singletrack and lovely river views on this scenic looped ride along both sides of the Tongariro River in Turangi - perfect for the whole family.
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Biking trails
Tree Trunk Gorge
The Tree Trunk Gorge trail will take you on a picturesque journey through the Kaimanawa Forest Park. It passes through classic central North Island beech forest, across streams and rivers and over two impressive gorges as it tracks along the upper section of the Tongariro River.
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Biking trails
Waihaha Section - Great Lake Trails
Towering volcanic rock cliffs, spectacular views and a waterfall hidden deep in the Waihaha Valley are highlights of the Waihaha section.
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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.
