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.