Hiking in Lake Taupo Region

The Lake Taupo region is famous for it's amazing landscapes, breathtaking lake and the many outdoor activities that come from that combination of natural wonders.  Hiking and walking in the Lake Taupo region is some of the best in New Zealand.

After a long day of hiking why not soak your tired muscles in the therapeutic waters of Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs and stay in our accommodation? We've also got great accommodation, Hot Springs and Day Spa Deals.

Lonely Planet noted The Tongariro Crossing as a "life changing experience" and one of the best one day hikes. Located in the Tongariro National World Heritage Park, this stunning 18km trek stretches across the volcanic region of the Tongariro mountain and rises to 1600m above sea level, over ancient and modern lava flows and beds of scoria. The climbs can be steep and the micro-climate weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared with the appropriate clothing, food and water.

Hiking and walking is in abundance in the Taupo region. Walking along the glistening Tongariro and Waikato Rivers will provide hours of enjoyment for the entire family. Walks along the roaring Huka Falls or the edges of the lakeshore will inspire you. Here is a guide for some of the best walks close to the Taupo Township.

Waipahihi Botanical Reserve - Follow SH 1 south from Taupō and turn left onto Shepherd Road (second left after the Napier/SH 5 turn-off). The reserve (35 ha) was formed in 1966 to create a park of forest trees and plants and to be a refuge for birdlife. Of special interest are the alpine garden, lemonwood walk and the 2,000 rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. There are walkways, beautiful lake and mountain views and attractive picnic areas.

Great Lake Walkway - Taupō to Wharewaka Point. This walkway is part of what may eventually become a track around all of Lake Taupō. From the Lake Taupō Yacht Club follow the path beside Lake Terrace to the Taharepa Road Reserve where a paved track skirts the lake edge to Two Mile Bay then Wharewaka Point. Ideal picnic and swimming spots can be found along the way. Toilets can be found in all of the bays and there is a children’s playground and barbecue facility at Wharewaka. Return via the same track or arrange transport back to town.

Control Gates Bridge to Spa Thermal Park - From the Control Gates bridge follow the true right of the Waikato River. Pass the waste treatment station on the right and at the end of the entrance road take a sharp left. Turn right after 20m and follow the path to Cherry Island. Head along the river to the steps up to Taupō Bungy. From the top it is only 200 m to Spa Thermal Park.

Huka Falls Walkway - Time: 2 hours return via the same track.
Turn right off Tongariro Street into Spa Road at the northern end of Taupō, then left into County Avenue and drive into Spa Thermal Park. Following the signs, walk for five minutes across the park to the Waikato River. Near the start of the walkway, a bridge crosses a natural hot stream. The well-defined track winds along the riverbank and offers lovely views on the way. The walk finishes at the spectacular Huka Falls, where the Waikato River is confined to a deep rock channel. The river emerges with a rush at the northern end to form the falls. A pleasant walk for the whole family. Return via the same track or arrange transport from Huka Falls carpark (across the bridge). This walk can be linked with the Aratiatia Rapids Walk.

Huka Falls to Aratiatia Rapids Walking Track -Time: 4 hours return via the same track
Follow SH 1 north from Taupō for about 1.6 km, turn right into Huka Falls Road and follow the signs to Huka Falls. A refreshment kiosk and pay toilets are located in the carpark. The track begins across the bridge. Head left to the last viewing area over Huka Falls. At the back of the viewing area the track climbs onto the cliff tops with magnificent views of the river. It then gradually descends and continues along the river to the Aratiatia hydro dam and rapids. Try to finish the walk when the control gates are due to open. Return via this route or arrange transport from Aratiatia.

Craters of the Moon Walking Track - Time: 1 hour loop track
Follow SH 1 north from Taupō for approximately 6 km. Turn left into Karapiti Road. Continue for 1.5 km to the Craters of the Moon carpark. This is a walk with a difference in a lunar-like landscape. It is a dynamic thermal area formed when drilling began nearby at the Wairakei Geothermal field in the 1950s. The walk features sizzling and bubbling craters, mud pools and steam vents. Keep to the boardwalks as constant changes in thermal activity can make the ground unstable and dangerous. Cycling is not permitted on this track but is allowed on the adjacent Craters of the Moon Mountainbike Tracks.

Waikato River Walking Track - Time: 1 hour one way
This walk begins at the Huka Falls carpark and ends at Otupo Flat. Return on the same track or arrange return transport. Five minutes down the track there is a grassed area with a good view back to the falls. From here there is a short steep climb up to a road then the track drops again to the river and ambles along through a variety of terrain and vegetation. There are several short side tracks to points of interest along the way.

Acacia Bay Beach Walking Track - Time: Varies depending on the route taken.
Follow SH 1 north across the Control Gates, turn left onto Norman Smith Street, then left into Acacia Bay Road. Turn left into Te Kopua Street and park at the end of the cul-de-sac. Walk through patches of native bush to the lake shore then up to the reserve again. Veer right and wander through native bush until the track climbs steeply to Acacia Bay Road. The walk follows the lakeshore and is marked with Scenic Walk signs. The beach walk is also accessible from other points along Acacia Bay Road and can be linked with Little Acacia Bay Walk.

Rangatira Point Walking Track - Time: 1.5 hours return
Follow Acacia Bay Road past the boat ramp and on for another 2 km. The track starts at the first carpark on the left. The track leads around the lakeshore to Totara Bay. There is a large group of pines at Te Karaka Point at the far end of the bay. A side track from this point leads back to Acacia Bay Road. The main track continues to Rangatira Point then loops back to meet the road. Excellent lake views. Vehicle access to both ends of this track.

Whakamoenga Walking Track - Time: 1 hour return via the same track
Follow Acacia Bay Road to the roadend carpark. Begin on the Rangatira Point Track. Turn right at the first junction. An easy graded track runs through the bush beside the lake around to Whakamoenga Point. There are good views across the lake from many points along the walkway. Please respect adjacent private property by staying on the track. Note: The Rangatira and Whakamoenga Point Tracks can be walked together (2.5 hours return).