Walks In and Around Taupo

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.