Defined by an ancient volcanic landscape with the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (plus more than 20 other lakes), thundering waterfalls, ancient native bush, the mighty Waikato River and Tongariro River and the volcanic mountains of the dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park, Taupo's spectacular natural features and scenic attractions can't be found anywhere else in the world.
Walk through ancient forest, experience spectacular lake vistas, and enjoy constant birdsong on a variety of walks on the southwestern shores of Lake Taupo.
Embark on the Kaimanawa Descent, a downhill trail that offers a thrilling ride through New Zealand's volcanic landscape. Accessible only by helicopter, this path designed for intermediate to advanced riders, winds through dense alpine forests with spectacular views of Tongariro National Park’s majestic peaks. An adrenaline-packed adventure awaits.
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.
Where Taupō township meets the lakefront, you’ll discover the newly-created Te Ātea (the Māori word for 'space'). Its purpose? A meeting place for all. But behind it is a story that began many thousands of years ago.
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.
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.
This easy walk in Pureora Forest Park takes you to a small rain-fed lagoon surrounded by tall kahikatea and rimu trees.
At the mouth of the Tauranga-Taupo River in the small village of Oruatua, there are two easy walking tracks to enjoy the river, the native bush of the reserves and the expansive lake views.
Behind the beautiful lakeside settlement of Kuratau sits the smallest but mightiest lake in the Taupo Fishery when it comes to hauling in heaps of fish. Originally part of the hydro-power scheme, Lake Kuratau is a flooded forest stocked to the brim with small rainbows and the occasional brown.
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.
