Two Mile Bay Boat Ramp Reserve is a popular lakefront reserve on the southern edge of Taupō, at 2 Mapou Road. It provides concrete boat ramps with good parking for vehicles and trailers, a swimming beach, toilets, and BBQ and picnic areas on the shores of Lake Taupō. It is also a key stop along the Lions Walk lakeside trail that runs from the town centre to Five Mile Bay.
Practical Information
| Address | 2 Mapou Road, Taupō |
| Entry | Free (boat ramp permit required for DIA ramp use) |
| Boat ramp | Concrete ramps suitable for a range of watercraft sizes; trailer parking on site |
| Ramp permit | Required for DIA ramp; available online or from local dairies and service stations |
| Facilities | Toilets, BBQ areas, picnic tables, swimming beach |
| Lions Walk | Reserve sits on the Lions Walk route (Taupō to Five Mile Bay) |
About the Reserve
Two Mile Bay is one of several swimming and recreation areas along the Taupō lakefront that form the extended Lions Walk reserve corridor. The bay has a sandy beach with calm lake water suitable for swimming, and is sheltered enough on most days to be comfortable for families. The water here is typically clear and cool.
The boat ramp is the primary reason many people come to Two Mile Bay specifically — it is one of the main public launch points on Lake Taupō and handles considerable traffic during summer weekends when fishing, water skiing, and general boating are at their peak. The concrete ramp and dedicated trailer parking make launching straightforward for most boat types.
Boat Ramp Permit
A ramp permit is required to use the Department of Internal Affairs’ boat ramp at Two Mile Bay. Permits are available online through the DIA website, or from most local dairies and service stations in Taupō. Annual and short-term permits are available. The permit system applies across all DIA-managed ramps on Lake Taupō.
Lions Walk
Two Mile Bay Reserve sits on the Lions Walk, a roughly 10-kilometre lakeside trail running from the Taupō waterfront to Five Mile Bay. The section from town to Two Mile Bay is a popular out-and-back walk of around 45–60 minutes each way. The walk follows the lake edge closely, with lake views throughout and good swimming spots at intervals along the route.
What Visitors Say
“Good boat ramp with plenty of trailer parking — we’ve launched here many times. The beach is great for the kids while the adults sort the boat out.”
“A natural stopping point on the Lions Walk from town. Clean toilets, good BBQ spots, and the lake views are excellent. Worth the walk from the town centre.”
Where to Learn More
Department of Internal Affairs – Lake Taupō Boat Ramps covers ramp permit information, pricing, and how to purchase a permit for Two Mile Bay and other DIA-managed ramps on the lake.
Coastguard Lake Taupō – Local Boat Ramps has practical information on all boat ramps around the lake, including Two Mile Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to use the boat ramp?
Yes. A ramp permit is required for the DIA-managed boat ramp at Two Mile Bay. Permits are available online from the DIA or from local dairies and service stations in Taupō.
Is there trailer parking at the ramp?
Yes. Ample parking for vehicles and trailers is available at the reserve.
Can I swim at Two Mile Bay?
Yes. The reserve has a swimming beach with generally calm, clear lake water suitable for swimming.
Are there BBQ facilities?
Yes. BBQ areas and picnic tables are available at the reserve.
How far is Two Mile Bay from the Taupō town centre?
Around 2 kilometres south along the lakefront. It is accessible by road or on foot via the Lions Walk trail (approximately 45–60 minutes from the town waterfront).
Is the reserve on the Lions Walk?
Yes. Two Mile Bay Reserve is a natural stopping point on the Lions Walk lakeside trail, which runs 10 kilometres from the Taupō waterfront to Five Mile Bay.
Two Mile Bay Boat Ramp Reserve is part of the Taupō Parks and Reserves network. The Taupō Lakefront Reserve connects north along the Lions Walk to the town centre, and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens is nearby on the southern edge of town.