The 6 Best Walks in Taupō (and Nearby!)
The expanse of the lake, backed by the volcanic peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro on the horizon, makes for a truly special place. And there's no better way to experience the sights, sounds and smells than by strapping on your hiking boots or walking shoes and exploring the region on foot.
There are walks in Taupō for all ages and fitness levels, from family-friendly lakeside strolls to multi-day hikes over rugged, untamed landscapes. If you're searching for the best things to do in Taupō in the great outdoors, this list of Taupō's best walks and hikes will get you off to a cracking start.
1. Great Lake Pathway
The Great Lake Pathway, also known as Lion's Walk, hugs the edge of Lake Taupō and extends from Taupō Boat Harbour, north of the main town, to Five Mile Bay. The 12.7 kilometre walkway is entirely paved and ideal for families and dogs, with plenty of places for kids to ride bikes and scooters or stop and play in the sand at the lake's edge.
End to end, it takes about 2.5 hours to walk, but you can start wherever you like and go for as long as you want - there are car parks, picnic tables and eateries along the way. Two Mile Bay Sailing Club is a particularly good stop as you near Five Mile Bay, with epic pizzas and toasties, perfect to refuel after stretching the legs.
It's easy to see why the Great Lake Walkway is one of the best Taupō activities for all ages – and handily, it's just a ten-minute walk from our Taupō motel.
Source: Love Taupō
2. Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls
This walk is perfect for those wanting to soak up beautiful scenery while getting some exercise without pushing too hard. The 3km one-way track follows the Waikato River, extending from Spa Thermal Park up to the mighty Huka Falls, and takes about an hour each way.
Along the way, you'll pass over the naturally heated Otumuheke Stream (perfect for a quick dip if you like), and wind up and down gentle slopes bordered by lush green foliage. The track is a mix of dirt, gravel and sealed paths, all very well maintained. After a few kilometres, you'll reach a car park beside the Waikato River - from here you can turn around and head back, or continue a little further for the perfect vantage point over the spectacular Huka Falls. These thundering falls are about 11 metres high, with a swirling mix of white and glacier blue – quite the contrast to the calm, emerald green of the river further downstream.
3. Opepe Bush Walk
Just 15 minutes from the town centre, Opepe is a fantastic option for families looking for a shorter, easier walk without missing out on scenery or history. There are two walking tracks within the reserve: a shorter northern loop through towering trees suited to a quick visit with younger kids, and a longer southern loop that explores more of the area's history.
The northern loop is about 1.5km and takes 30 to 45 minutes return. It winds through a thriving forest filled with mature native trees, with noisy native birds overhead – keep an eye out for a rimu nearly 30 metres tall with a girth of 660 centimetres, and let the kids loose exploring the hollowed-out trunks along the way.
The reserve also has a rich history dating back to the 1800s, when Ōpepe was a small township with its own hotel, store and homes for around 120 residents. Traces of this past can still be found throughout the reserve, making it as much a walk through history as it is through nature.
4. Mount Tauhara
Mount Tauhara is one of the most popular mountains to climb in and around Taupō – and for good reason too. Just 10 minutes from Taupō township, the stunning views from the top are simply phenomenal! Rated an intermediate to advanced climb, with some rough and rooty sections, you'll need to be reasonably fit to make it all the way to the summit and back.
The Mt Tauhara summit sits at 1088 metres, with the trail running about 2.8km each way. You'll start out crossing open pasture before climbing into the forest for a steady push to the top – allow around 2 to 3 hours return once you factor in a few short breaks and a nice long one at the summit. Trust us, you'll want to sit up there for as long as possible to enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Taupō sparkling below and the Central Plateau in the distance.
Just note that dogs aren't allowed on this track, so it's a hike for humans only.
Source: Love Taupō
5. Kaimanawa Forest Park
For something a little wilder, head south to Kaimanawa Forest Park. Sitting about 1 hour south-east of Taupō in the Kaimanawa Ranges, this is a vast area of stunning native bush, with most of the park's easier walking tracks accessible via Kaimanawa Road, a short drive south of Tūrangi.
There's a good range of scenic walking tracks to suit different appetites. If you're after something short and sharp, the Pillars of Hercules walk is just a 10-minute return trip, climbing steep steps to a spectacular gorge where the Tongariro River carves through a narrow chasm - keep an eye out for the rare native whio, or blue duck, in the water below. For a slightly longer stroll, nearby loop tracks wind through native forest known for its variety of trees and birdlife, offering an easy taste of the park without committing to a full day out.
Because the terrain can be uneven and prone to mud – especially after rain – sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are recommended, even for the shorter walks.
Source: Love Taupō
6. Tongariro National Park
If you're serious about hiking, you'll have undoubtedly heard of the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing - one of the best day hikes in New Zealand. With ancient lava flows, vibrant emerald lakes and diverse landscapes that look like they are from a different planet, this full day hike really is something special.
But Tongariro National Park is also home to dozens of other great walking tracks too, including a number of shorter hikes (less than three hours). Tawhai Falls is an easy 1km return track that takes you to pools with clear water at the bottom of 13 metre high falls - a great one to do as an intro to the park. Taranaki Falls is another fantastic option - this 6.1km loop takes about 2 hours, and provides a fantastic taster of what the park offers as a whole. At the halfway mark, you'll come across the impressive Taranaki Falls, which you can see from both above and below, with a number of scenic places for picnic spots.
With Tongariro National Park being only about an hour's drive from Taupō, it's well worth the trip, even if you're opting for a shorter track.
For more ideas on local walks and other Taupō activities, chat to us reception! We're always happy to help. If you're looking for affordable Taupō accommodation, we would love to welcome you at Bella Vista.