Hikes & Walks
Mighty waterfalls, native bush, mountain ranges and active volcanoes make the Lake Taupo region a world class destination for walkers and hikers of any ability and fitness.
At the south end of Lake Taupo, the Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage Area, home to the famous Tongariro Crossing - a day-long hike over active volcanoes. Other stunning walks and hikes in this alpine area abound, and several operators offer daily transport from Taupo and Turangi.
Closer to Taupo there are many tracks through a variety of scenery - native bush, the thundering waterfalls of the Waikato River, lakeside strolls, and tracks to remote bays and tributaries of Lake Taupo.
The ancient forests of the Pureora Forest Park are only 45 minutes to the west of Lake Taupo, where rare New Zealand birds find sanctuary.
Booklets and maps detailing all the walks are available from Information Centres and Department of Conservation offices, but we've listed some of the best our region has to offer from Taupo to Tongariro. Read on!
Walks In & Around Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is spectacular, with snow-capped active volcanoes and a vast alpine environment. Many shorter walks are well-surfaced and sign-posted, but longer and higher routes require hiking and alpine experience plus proper equipment. ALWAYS be prepared for adverse weather conditions. The weather can change fast. Even on shorter walks ALWAYS let someone reliable know where you are going and when you'll be back.Take waterproof and windproof clothing, water, food, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and comfortable, sturdy footwear.
For expert and detailed advice on the walks and routes of the Tongariro National Park, go to the Information Centres at either Turangi or Whakapapa Village, which is situated within the boundaries of the park and offers accommodation, visitor services, cafes and bars
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
7 - 8 hours
Acclaimed as the best one-day alpine walk in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing traverses the active volcanoes of Tongariro National Park, via the steaming Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes. Beginning at Mangatepopo and ending at Ketetahai, walkers can arrange transport to pick them up at the other end of the track (contact Alpine Scenic Tours, Tongariro Expeditions or Alpine Hotbus to book your Tongariro Crossing trip). Please be aware that this is a full day high level walk, it involves hiking 17km and climbing up 1000 meters, so having a good fitness level is an advantage and taking lots of water and sun screen is a must!
Whakapapa Nature Walk
15 minutes
A pleasant, easy loop track taking in some of the unique flora of the area. Wheelchair access.
Mounds Walk
20 minutes
The mounds were formed thousands of years ago by avalanches of debris from volcanic activity. Good views of the volcanoes.
Tawhai Falls
20 minutes
The falls were formed from an ancient lava flow.
Ridge Track
40 minutes
A short climb through beech forest and alpine shrublands. Good views from the top.
Taranaki Falls
2 hours
Water tumbles 20 metres from a lava flow to a pool below. Strip off and have a thunderous shower.
Silica Rapids
2.5 hours
A highly varied walk taking in beech forest, subalpine plants, swamp, tussock, and the creamy-white terraces of the Silica Rapids.
Whakapapaiti Valley
4 - 5 hours
A varied walk taking in spectacular views of the Whakapapaiti Valley and beech forest. Involves crossing the Whakapapaiti Stream, which may not always be possible to cross.
Tama Lakes
5 - 6 hours
A fairly steep walk up though tussock and alpine herb fields to several old explosion craters. This walk is often very wind swept.
Mt Ruapehu Crater
7 hours
The walk is one you'll remember for the rest of yur life. Fantastic views, but read the DOC brochure Mt Ruapehu Crater Climb before you tackle this unmarked walk, make sure you're well equipped and get advice from Whakapapa information Centre. Subject to extremely changeable and dangerous weather.
Ohinetonga Track
2 - 3 hours
Forest, scenery, the Ohinetonga Lagoon, picnic and swimming areas. How much better does it get?
Taurewa Track
2 - 3 hours
A loop track following old mining trails through the bush. Lots of birdlife.
Okupata Caves
Varies
A network of caves and passages beneath the Tongariro Forest. Go with a guide as it's easy to get lost and the water level in the caves can rise rapidly in wet weather.
Lake Rotopounamu (the greenstone lake)
Varies
A beautiful walk through native bush around Lake Rotopounamu. Plenty of picnic and swimming spots. Fantastic birdlife.
Ketetahi Hut
4 - 5 hours
A magnificent view of Lake Rotoaira, Mt Pihanga and Lake Taupo from high on the slopes of Mt Tongariro.
Soda Springs
2 hours
Ffollows the Mangatepopo Stream through a vast summer meadow of mountain buttercups and white foxgloves. .
Ngauruhoe Summit
6 - 7 hours
Not to be undertaken in winter without mountaineering experience, Ngauruhoe has been one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes. Involves a climb up red scoria to the summit. Watch for falling rocks dislodged by other climbers and don't enter the rim area of the inner crater unless you want to be overcome by poisonous gases
Walks In and Around Taupo
Craters of the Moon
1 hour
An easy walk through an active thermal area - a small entry fee applies. To get there: drive north on SH1 for approximately 6km. Turn left into Karapiti Rd and continue for another 1.5km until you reach the carpark at the road end.
Spa Park to Huka Falls
2 hours return
Meander alongside the turquoise Waikato River to the thundering Huka Falls. Bring swimwear and a towel so you can soak in the natural hot pools at the start of the track. There are swimming spots along the river but be careful of the current. The track starts at Spa Park car park. Head over the grassy park, down towards the river and over the small footbridge.
Huka Falls to Aratiatia Rapids & Viewpoint
4 hours return
The track follows the Waikato River, then climbs over cliff tops with an awesome view of the river below, descending to the Aratiatia hydro dam and rapids. The Aratiatia control gates are opened several times a day - a truly spectacular sight - so check out the times with the Taupo Visitor Information Centre. To find the track, cross the Huka Falls bridge from the Huka Falls car park and head down river.
Two Mile Bay to Five Mile Bay (The Lions Walk)
1 hour
A gentle, paved stroll along the lakefront through scenic reserves with plenty of places to picnic and swim.To get there: drive/cycle south on SH 1 for 4.2km and turn right into Mapou Rd. The walk begins down at the boat ramp and continues southward.
Mt Tauhara Summit Track
3 - 4 hours
The view of the Lake Taupo district from the summit is stunning. Mt Tauhara is sacred to the Maori, privately owned and continued public access relies upon goodwill. To get there: take the Taupo - Napier Highway SH5 and keep going for about 6km. Turn left into Mountain Rd. You'll see the start of the walk sign-posted.
Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay
4 - 5 hours return
Out on the Western Bays of Lake Taupo, this walk climbs a steep saddle of regenerating bush before descending into Kawakawa Bay. There are great picnic and swimming beaches at either end of the walk with some glorious views of the Lake Taupo district along the way. Be warned though: this track is steep and exposed to the elements in many areas. To get there: Head north out of Taupo on SH1. Turn left into Poihipi Rd not long after you cross the bridge and follow the signs to Kinloch (24km). At Kinloch lakefront it's pretty easy to work out where to park. Head right along the beach and you'll find a signpost marking the start of the walk.
Opepe Graves, Northern Loop & Southern Loop
30 -45 minutes
The Northern track loops through a mature native forest past a historic graveyard for the casualties of the Bay of Plenty Cavalry who died fighting the Maori warrior Te Kooti. The longer Southern loop heads through native bush and relics of the old township, Opepe. To get there: head 17km along the Taupo-Napier Highway to the Northern Loop carpark on one side of the road, and the Southern Loop car park on the other.
Waitahunui River Walks
Time varies
Riverside fishing tracks winding through private land. You're welcome to use the tracks, but you'll need a fishng licence to fish in the trout pools along the river. To get there: drive 12km south on SH1 to Waitahanui. Park by the bridge and head upstream.
Hinemaiaia River Walk
Time varies
The Hinemaiaia River is a trout-spawning stream and tracks on both sides of the river are maintained for fishing access. There is also a scenic reserve and a small hydro dam at the top of the track. To get there: Drive 24km on SH1 across the Hinemaiaia Bridge and take the first road on the left.
Moutuere / Waipehi Track
1.5 hours return
Climb through regenerating bush with great views of Lake Taupo, before descending through kanuka trees (the leaves make very refreshing bush tea) and along volcanic cliffs. To get there: drive south from Taupo on SH1 and park opposite the northern end of the Motutere Motor Camp. You'll find the track in the regenerating bush above.
Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
Varies
This 35-acre reserve was established in 1996 as a refuge for birdlife. Stroll through native forest, an alpine garden, rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Amazing views of the lake and mountains, good picnic stops. To get there: head south on SH1 and turn left onto Shepherd's Road (second street on the left after SH5).
Te Totara Track
Time varies
This track follows a deep valley with several crossings of a thermal stream. It eventually joins the Waikato River Walk.To get there: head north on SH1 and turn right onto Huka Falls Rd. Turn right again about 200m past the Huka Falls car park turn off and keep an eye out for the signpost marking the start of the track.
Waikato River Walk
55 minutes
This track covers a variety of terrain before coming to an end at the Otupu Flat. There are several points of interest and good picnic stops along the way.To get there: head north on SH1 and turn right onto Huka Falls Rd. Turn right again into the Huka Falls car park. Starting at the northern end of the Huka Falls car park,
Acacia Bay Beach Walk & Little Acacia Bay Walk
Time varies
These are linked walks, which follow the lakeshore and undulate up through native bush before dropping down to the water's edge again. There are plenty of picnic and swimming spots along the way so bring swimwear and lunch. To get there: head north on SH1 and turn left almost immediately onto Norman Smith Street once you've crossed the Waikato River bridge. Follow the signs to Acacia Bay.Turn left into Te Kopua St and park at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Rangatira Point & Whakamoenga Point
1 - 2.5 hours return
Stroll along the lakefront though native bush-shadowed by fantails-until you reach the huge flat rocks jutting out into the lake. These make excellent diving boards, especially on a hot day when the water is crystal clear and you have visibility all the way to the bottom of the lake. You'll also see some caves on the walk if you look carefully enough, and there are some Maori rock carvings if you're prepared to rock hop your way around a couple of bays.To get there:
Follow the directions to Acacia Bay and keep on the road for about another 2km. You'll easily spot the car parks and sign-posting to access these tracks.
Whakaipo Bay to Tahunatara Point
1.5 hours return
Starting at the Mapara Steam Bridge, this track is flat and suitable for families. There are several fishing, picnic and swimming spots along the way, with views of the Karangahape cliffs and volcanoes at the end. The track crosses private land and is only open as a sign of goodwill. Please respect the landowners' wishes and don't stray from the path (so to speak).To get there: head north on SH1, turn left onto Norman Smith St, then left again onto Acacia Bay Rd. Turn right onto Mapara Rd and follow that for 6.7km before turning left onto Whakaipo Bay Road. Continue along the unsealed road to the beach.
Pureora Forest Park Walks
Saved from logging by protesters, the Pureora Forest Park straddles the Hauhungaroa Range west of Lake Taupo. Here you will find the last remnent of the podocarp forests that once covered most of the central North Island. Rare birdlife such as kereru, tui, fantails, wax-eyes and kaka live among the matai, miro, rimu and totara trees.
There are a variety of tracks for all fitness levels and ages. Walks range from 20 minutes to 10.5 hours. DOC huts are available in the forest if you want to overnight in the bush, as are vehicle-accessible camping facilties and cabins nearer the park office. You'll need your own cooking equipment.
It's also worth checking out some of the interesting sites close to the park office.
The Buried Forest
The original (preserved) forest was buried 1800 years ago after the Lake Taupo explosion and was only uncovered accidentally by bulldozer in 1983.
Treetop Protest Site
The 1978, the anti-logging protest was one of New Zealand's most significant. Protesters built platforms in the treetops and refused to budge, eventually ending the logging of native trees in the park.
Forest Tower
Climb the 12 metre high tower and get an entirely different perspective on forest life from the treetops.
Pouakani Tree
This is the largest recorded totara tree in New Zealand.
Vintage Steam Hauler
Until the late 1940s this old engine was used to haul logged trees from the forest.
Old Crawler Tractor
Used in the 1950s to pull totara posts and battens from the forest.
For further information on the park contact the DOC Pureora Field Centre (07 878 4773)
The New Zealand Environmental Care Code
Protect plants and animals (take only photographs, leave only footprints)
Remove rubbish (pack it in, pack it out)
Bury toilet waste (quite deep if there are dogs around!)
Keep streams and lakes clean (don't do number ones or twos near either. That's how giardia was introduced to New Zealand
Take care with fires (if there's a total fire ban, DON'T light one)
Camp carefully (i.e. not on rare alpine plants or dry river beds)
Keep to the track (you'd be surprised how easy it is to become disorientated)
Consider others (leave the hut cleaner than you found it)
Respect our cultural heritage (and we'll respect yours)
Enjoy your visit (hell, love your visit!)
Toitu te whenua (leave the land undisturbed)