Is there a café at Ōrākei Kōrako?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, MudCake Café does coffee and a bite to eat, so you can stop in before or after the walk. There's also a souvenir shop you can browse when you arrive.
Taupō Questions
Taupō people helping Taupō people. Ask about any place, or answer one for a local.
Which place is it about?
Can't see it?
Questions here are answered by locals.
Type of place
Which time of day is the quietest for the boat and boardwalk?
Is there a toilet at Kawakawa Bay on the K2K?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, Kawakawa Bay has a toilet and a shelter. There's also calm, sheltered water for a swim or a lakeside picnic.
How steep is the climb up from Kinloch, and do many people end up pushing?
Are dogs allowed on the Headland Loop Trail?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Headland Loop Trail.
Do you come across many walkers on the Headland Loop, or is it mostly bikes?
Is there more than one car park to start from at Craters?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, there are three. The main car park has map boards, a café, a bike repair stand and a bike wash. Another is up Karapiti Rd, and a third is off Wairakei Drive 1km south of the Hub.
Are there toilets at the Hub, or any out on the trails?
Where do I start the Tongariro River Trail in Tūrangi?
Great LakeCity guide
Start at the Tūrangi i-SITE and use the underpass beneath SH1. That way you don't have to cross the busy road, and you join the trail at Taupahi Reserve.
Is the surface sealed or gravel? Would a road bike cope on the loop?
Where does the Great Lake Pathway start in Taupō?
Great LakeCity guide
It starts at the Taupō Boat Harbour, where Redoubt Street meets Ferry Road, and runs along the lakefront from there.
Is there drinking water along the pathway, or should I bring my own bottle?
Do I share the Great Lake Trail with walkers?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, the trails are shared with walkers, so keep an eye out for them, especially on the sections close to Kinloch.
Are there any toilets out on the trail, or only at the trailheads?
Can you park at both ends of the W2K Trail?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, you can park at both Kinloch and Whakaipo Bay. Most people leave a vehicle at one end and arrange a shuttle or water taxi to pick them up at the other.
Has anyone ridden the W2K on an e-bike? Wondering how the climbs go on one.
How long does the Rotary Ride to Huka Falls take?
Great LakeCity guide
About 30 minutes one way by mountain bike. The Rotary Ride from Spa Park to Huka Falls is 6 km, and it is mainly a mountain bike track.
Is there anywhere to fill a water bottle along the trail, or should I bring my own?
How long is the walk to Whakamoenga Point from the third car park?
Great LakeCity guide
It's only about a 30 minute walk from the third car park. Flat volcanic rocks at the point are a popular spot for swimming, fishing and picnics.
Are there any toilets at the Te Kopua Street end, or is it best to go before you arrive?
Is there a kids' bike session at the Taupō BMX Track on weekdays?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, Kids Bike Taupō runs a session at the BMX track on Taharepa Road every Monday from 3.30 to 5pm. It suits all ages and abilities, and kids without a bike can use one of theirs.
Is there a pump track here as well, or just the race track?
Can I take my dog on the Huka Falls lookout walk?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, dogs are allowed on the lookout walk. Keep your dog under control at all times.
How hard is it to find a car park at Huka Falls around midday on a weekend?
Where exactly is the Taupō Bike Park, and how do I find the entrance?
Great LakeCity guide
Head south on Tongariro Street, turn right onto Spa Road and go about 2 km. Then turn left onto County Ave and follow it to the end, where the park entrance is.
Is there anywhere to fill a drink bottle at the jumps, or should I bring my own?
Is there a toilet at the Orakau carpark before I start riding?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, the Orakau carpark has a toilet, plus a shelter with a map and information board, so you can stop there before you set off.
Does the Orakau carpark fill up on summer weekends, or is there usually room?
Are there toilets at the Mount Tauhara track?
Great LakeCity guide
No, there are no toilets available at Mount Tauhara, so use the facilities in Taupō before you drive out to the track.
How slippery and muddy does the Tauhara track get after a few days of rain?
Is there a viewpoint right down near the water at Aratiatia?
Great LakeCity guide
No, there are only two lookouts on the track. The Mid Viewpoint is where you feel the misty spray, and the Top Viewpoint is another five minutes further on.
Is the track to the main platforms manageable in a wheelchair?
What time does Craters of the Moon open, and when is last entry?
Great LakeCity guide
It's open 9:30am to 5pm, and last entry is strictly 4pm. It's open every day except Christmas Day.
Is there much shade on the loop, or is it pretty exposed on a sunny afternoon?
What's the fine for breaking freedom camping rules around Taupō?
Great LakeCity guide
You can be fined $400 for breaking the freedom camping rules on council land in the Taupō district, and the rules are actively enforced.
Is the ground level enough to sleep on, or do you need blocks to level the van?
Is there much shade at Riverside Park for a picnic?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, large mature trees shade the park, and it's a popular spot for picnics and outdoor dining.
Is the riverside path smooth enough for a wheelchair, and are there any steep bits?
What are the opening hours, and is it open on Thursdays?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, it is open Thursdays from 8am to 7pm. The rest of the week, Friday to Wednesday, it is open 8am to 9pm.
How busy does it get on weekends, and are the pools crowded by mid afternoon?
Is there a toilet at Waipahihi Botanical Gardens?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, there is a toilet at the car park. Picnic tables and seats are dotted around the reserve if you want to stay for lunch.
How much shade is there on the tracks in the afternoon? Planning a walk on a hot day.
Is there a café at Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley, and what does it serve?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, there's a small café on site serving home-style baking and Devonshire teas. It's a handy stop before or after the thermal walk.
Is the track surface okay for a pram, or is it rough in places?
Do I have to pay or book to camp at Whakaipo Bay?
Great LakeCity guide
No, camping there is free and you don't need to book. It's first come, first served. Fires aren't allowed at any time.
How's the parking near the water on a hot weekend, or do you end up walking a way?
Where do the boats to the Mine Bay carvings leave from?
Great LakeCity guide
Boats leave from Taupō Boat Harbour on Redoubt Street. The Chris Jolly Cruise Cat departs from Berth 4, and you should board 15 minutes before your departure time.
Is the carvings trip still worth doing on a wet day, and is there shelter on the boat?
Can my kids go fishing at the Trout Centre any day, or only at certain times?
Great LakeCity guide
Kids' fishing only runs during the school holidays, so it won't be on outside those periods.
Is the ground around the centre and the nature walk okay for a wheelchair, or are there steps?
Is there a pump track at Spa Thermal Park?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, Taupō Bike Park is in the park and has a pump track and jump trails. The Rotary Ride mountain-bike trail also starts here and runs alongside the Huka Falls walking track.
Is the playground fenced, or can little ones wander off towards the river?
Is the Warrior Mountains playground designed for kids of different abilities?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes. The new playground was designed for a wide range of ages and abilities, with improved accessibility, some challenging elements and a focus on inclusive play between parents and children.
Is there a working drinking tap near the playground or do I need to bring water?
Can I return library books when the library is closed?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes. Taupō Library has an after-hours return slot, so you can drop items back at any time, even when the doors are shut.
How easy is it to get around the library with a wheelchair or mobility scooter?
Does Mangakino Library have a children's area?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, a new children's area was added in 2025 for young users. The collection also includes children's materials.
Is the library usually quiet, or do kids come in after school and make it busy?
Is there parking close to Taupō Museum?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, you can park in Tongariro Domain, and there are also car parks in the nearby town centre.
Are the information panels easy to read, or is there a lot of text to get through?
Is the camping area at Reid's Farm flat or sloping?
Great LakeCity guide
It's flat. The reserve is a grassed area on the west bank of the Waikato River, with mature trees giving shade in places.
How busy does Reid's Farm get on summer weekends, and is there any room left by late afternoon?
Is the pump track at Crown Park okay for beginners?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, the sealed pump track suits riders of varying abilities, from beginners who can ride without pedalling to experienced riders working on technique and speed.
Do kids use scooters on the pump track, or is it mostly bikes?
Are there toilets along the lakefront?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, there are toilets in all the bays along the Great Lake Pathway. Wharewaka Point also has a children's playground and a barbecue.
Is there much shade near the swimming beaches in the afternoon, or is it all open sun?
Are there toilets at Whakamaru Domain?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, there is a toilet block at the reserve, along with a BBQ area and a boat ramp. There is also a big stretch of grass along the water's edge.
Is it self-contained vehicles only, or can you pitch a tent on the grass here?
Can you get fined for breaking the camping rules at Mangakino?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes. Breaking the freedom camping rules can get you a $400 fine, and the rules are actively enforced, so check the signs before you set up.
Is it easy to get a pram around the playground and down to the lake edge?
How long does the whole Great Lake Pathway take to walk?
Great LakeCity guide
Allow about 2.5 hours one way to walk the full 12.7 km Great Lake Pathway. It's graded easy, mostly flat and paved.
Does anyone patrol the beach over summer, or are there no lifeguards?
Besides swimming, what can you do on the water around Pukawa?
Great LakeCity guide
Boating, kayaking and water-skiing are all done from the boat ramps and bays around Pukawa and neighbouring Omori.
Is the lake edge at Pukawa sandy or stony when you get in?
Can I grab a coffee or lunch within walking distance of Main Beach?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes. The town centre cafes, restaurants and shops are an easy walk from the beach, and Tongariro Street is the place for coffee or lunch after a swim.
Are there lifeguards on Main Beach over summer, or is it swim at your own risk?
Is there a separate play area for younger kids at Te Kapua Park?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, the playground has a dedicated area for younger children, plus climbing nets, slides and water play. The surfacing is accessible rubber and there is shade.
Is there a drinking fountain or tap near the playground, or should we bring our own water?
Can I take my dog on the Waihaha Trail?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Waihaha Trail. Keep your dog under control at all times.
Has anyone taken an e-bike on the Waihaha, and did the battery last the full 30 km?
Where can I park for Hot Water Beach in Taupō?
Great LakeCity guide
There are several car parks off Lake Terrace in the Waipahihi area, which is the easiest way to arrive if you're driving.
Is there any shade at Hot Water Beach in the afternoon, or is it all open sun?
Which bays is Whareroa between on the western side of Lake Taupō?
Great LakeCity guide
Whareroa sits between Kuratau and Whanganui Bay on the western shore of Lake Taupō. It's a small rural settlement on a fairly remote stretch of lakeshore.
Is there a pontoon or anywhere decent to jump in at Whareroa, or is it just wading?
Which way should I be driving to turn into the Waipunga Falls carpark?
Great LakeCity guide
Drive from Taupō toward Napier, so you can pull off safely to the left. The carpark is on a fast stretch of highway, and the Scenic Lookout sign is about 400 m before it.
Has anyone taken a dog to Waipunga Falls? Is it fine on a lead at the lookout?
Does the Mapara Walkway have another name locals use?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, locals also call it the Glow Worm Track, because people go after dark to see glow worms on the damp banks along the boardwalk.
Are there any toilets near the Mapara Road or Brunette Drive end?
Is there a toilet at the Aratiatia Rapids end of the trail?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, there's a toilet at the Aratiatia Rapids car park, which is beside the bridge near the lookout tracks.
Is there anywhere along the track to fill up a water bottle?
Where can I check water quality before swimming at Kuratau?
Great LakeCity guide
Use the Can I Swim Here tool on LAWA (Land Air Water Aotearoa). It lets you look up water quality at rivers, lakes and beaches near you before you get in.
Are there public toilets near the Kuratau swim bay, and are they decent?
Are there public toilets at Wharewaka Point?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, there are toilets in all the bays along the Great Lake Pathway, and Wharewaka Point also has a children's playground and a barbecue area.
Is the playground at Wharewaka okay for toddlers or is it more for older kids?
Where can I leave my car overnight for the Northern Circuit?
Great LakeCity guide
Park in Whakapapa Village and shuttle to the start. Get a free overnight permit from the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre. Mangatepopo Carpark is limited to 4 hours in the Great Walk season.
Are there toilets at Mangatepopo carpark before you set off, and are they usually clean?
Is there parking close to 3 and 4 Mile Bays?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, there is roadside parking along Lake Terrace, close to the bays. Wharewaka Point Reserve is nearby too, with toilets and BBQ areas.
How quickly does it get deep? Is it okay for young kids to paddle?
Are the walks at Opepe steep or hard going?
Great LakeCity guide
No, both tracks are graded easy, on well-graded dirt paths. Most visitors should manage them without trouble.
Are there toilets at either of the Opepe car parks?
Can I fly a drone at Lake Rotopounamu?
Great LakeCity guide
No, flying a drone there without a permit is strictly prohibited. The lake and track are on conservation land in Tongariro National Park.
Is the loop okay for a pram, or are there roots and steps in places?
Is there parking at Control Gates Bridge at the start of the River Side Trail?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, there's a carpark at Control Gates Bridge. There's another at Spa Park, the other end of the trail, so you can start from either end.
Is the path sealed the whole way or is there gravel in places?
Can you drive right down to Whakamoenga Point?
Great LakeCity guide
No, you have to walk out to the point. The shortest way is from the third carpark on Acacia Bay Road, which is about a 30 minute walk from the point.
Is there any shade on the rocks at the point, or is it full sun all afternoon?
Does the track out to Whakamoenga Point go through private land?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, the final section out to Whakamoenga Point passes through private property. Stick to the track marked as public access.
Are there any picnic tables along the track, or do you just sit on the rocks?
Are dogs allowed on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
Great LakeCity guide
No, dogs aren't allowed on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. They're banned across the whole of Tongariro National Park, including inside vehicles, so leave your dog at home or outside the park.
How busy does the crossing get on a fine summer day, and what time should you start?
Can I take my dog on the Tree Trunk Gorge Track?
Great LakeCity guide
Only with a DOC permit. You need to contact your closest DOC office to get one before you go.
Is there a toilet at either end of Tree Trunk Gorge, or should I go before I get there?
Where can I grab food near Kinloch Beach?
Great LakeCity guide
Get fish and chips from the Kinloch Store and eat them on the beach. If you catch a trout, you can barbecue it fresh beneath the poplars at the lakefront park.
Does the water stay shallow for a good way out, or is it a quick drop for little kids?
Is there a viewing point at Tawhai Falls, and can you get down to the river?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes. The track leads down to a viewing point near the top of the falls. You can carry on down more steps to the river's edge for a more distant view of the falls.
Are there toilets at the Tawhai Falls car park, or is it best to go before leaving Whakapapa?
Can I use split shot or a float when fishing the Waitahanui?
Great LakeCity guide
Split shot is fine to sink your fly, but floats are not allowed. You must use a fly rod, reel, line, leader and artificial fly, and no weight to help casting.
How rough are the tracks from the Blake Road car park down to the river?
Can I take my dog on the Waihaha Track?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Waihāhā Track, but keep them under control at all times. The track is shared with walkers and bikers.
Is there a usable boat ramp near Waihaha for getting to the track by water?
Can I wear felt-soled wading boots when fishing at Waihaha?
Great LakeCity guide
No. Felt-soled boots are not allowed when fishing for trout in the Taupō fishery, so wear non-felt wading boots instead.
Has anyone taken a beginner or older kids fishing at the Waihaha mouth, or is it too exposed?
How many trout can I keep per day at Lake Ōtamangakau?
Great LakeCity guide
Two trout per day, regardless of species. That is a tighter limit than most other waters in the Taupō Fishing District, where the daily limit is higher.
How far is the walk from the car to the water if you're fishing from the shore?
Can I wear felt-soled wading boots on the Tongariro?
Great LakeCity guide
No. Felt-soled boots are not permitted when fishing for trout anywhere in the Taupō fishery, so you need rubber-soled or studded boots instead.
Are there toilets at the car parks along the middle river?
Where can I park to get to the Hinemaiaia River?
Great LakeCity guide
Drive upstream from SH1 along the access road to the Hinemaiaia dam, where the car parks and tracks are easy to find. The mouth and lower river are easy to reach from SH1 at Hatepe.
Is there a toilet anywhere near the river access points?
Can I fish the Tauranga-Taupō at night?
Great LakeCity guide
Only until midnight. Fishing is allowed between 5am and midnight, so you can't fish from midnight to 5am.
How far is the walk from the car park to the water, and is the track easy going?
Is there parking near the Hinemaiaia river mouth?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, there are several parking areas for anglers, and the mouth and lower river are easy to reach from SH1 at Hatepe.
Is the track down to the water manageable for someone in a wheelchair?
Who did the artwork on the Taupō skate park surfaces?
Great LakeCity guide
Adam Wharekawa, a well-known New Zealand skater and artist, was commissioned to paint abstract landscape illustrations on the park's surfaces as part of the 2023 redevelopment.
Does the skate park get any shade in the afternoon, or is it full sun?
Can I wear felt-soled wading boots at the Waitahanui Rip?
Great LakeCity guide
No. Felt-soled boots are banned when fishing for trout in the Taupō fishery, so you will need a different sole for wading the Rip.
Is the track from the car park to the Rip firm enough for a wheelchair?
Can I use bait when fishing Lake Taupō?
Great LakeCity guide
No, bait isn't allowed. Only artificial flies or lures can be used. You can fish with one rod at a time, and only single-point hooks are permitted.
How easy is it to find parking near the stream mouths on a summer weekend?
Where do I park near the Tauranga-Taupō river mouth?
Great LakeCity guide
Use the signposted car park on State Highway 1 just south of Te Rangiita. A track from there follows the southern bank upriver.
Do people bring dogs down to the spit, and is it OK with other anglers around?
How many trout can I keep per day at the Kuratau river mouth?
Great LakeCity guide
The limit is eight trout a day, regardless of species. Lake Otamangakau has a lower limit, but that is not relevant at Kuratau.
How far is the walk from where you park to the water at the mouth?
What hours am I allowed to fish the Waikato River in Taupō?
Great LakeCity guide
You can fish between 5am and midnight only. Fishing is not allowed between midnight and 5am, so dawn starts before 5am are out.
How steep is the walk from the car down to the river at Spa Park?
Is Stump Bay a sandy beach?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, it's a long sandy beach with pumice scattered along the shoreline. Volcanic peaks sit on the horizon, with views north up the lake towards Taupō.
Is there much shade near the beach in the afternoon, or should I bring my own?
How far is the Middle Range Route in distance, not just time?
Great LakeCity guide
The route is 820 m long, and it takes about 1 hour because the climb is steep.
How slippery and muddy is the steep ridge climb after rain?
Can I take a caravan along Clements Mill Road?
Great LakeCity guide
Only small caravans. Fallen trees in high winds can also block access along the road.
Are Ōamaru and Cascade huts usually full on weekends, or is there normally a bunk spare?
Is there a lookout on the way down to Te Hāpua Bay?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, there's a viewpoint looking out over the lake just below the farmland. It's about 15 minutes from the water's edge.
Is there much room to park on Karangahape Road, and does it fill up in summer?
Does the Rimu Walk finish back at the campsite?
Great LakeCity guide
Not quite. The loop comes out further along Kakaho Road, not far from Kakaho Campsite where the track starts, so you have a short stretch to get back.
Is the Rimu Walk okay for young kids, or is the climb to the viewpoint too much?
Are there any native birds to spot on the Kiko Loop?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, keep an eye out for the inquisitive toutouwai, the North Island robin, as you walk the loop. The track runs through podocarp forest, beech forest and regenerating bush.
Are there any steep bits on the Kiko Loop, or is it mostly flat?
Is the Mt Titiraupenga Track a loop or do I come back the same way?
Great LakeCity guide
It's not a loop. It's 6.4 km return via the same track, so you walk back the way you came. The Arataki Track it meets at the lookout is overgrown.
How steep does the climb get on the way up to the lookout?
How do I get to the Mount Pureora Link Road track from SH30?
Great LakeCity guide
From SH30 turn onto Maraeroa Road, then Barryville Road, then Link Road. The track starts about 14 km along Link Road, with the car park on the opposite side of the road.
How muddy does the Mount Pureora track from Link Road get after rain?
How do I get to Kiko Road from Tūrangi?
Great LakeCity guide
Turn off SH1 onto Kiko Road about 10 km north of Tūrangi. Follow it for 17 km through the privately owned Lake Taupo Forest to the park boundary.
Are there toilets at the Kiko Road car park where the track starts?
Is the Waihora Lagoon walk a loop or do you come back the same way?
Great LakeCity guide
You come back the same way. It's an out and back track of 730 m return, so there's no loop.
How big is the car park at the start, and does it fill up on weekends?
How long is the Ketemaringi Route in kilometres?
Great LakeCity guide
It is 10.7 km one way, and DOC's time for it is about 5 hours. It is graded as an expert route.
Is there room to park at the end of Ketemaringi Road, and what is the road like?
Can I take my dog on the Arataki Track?
Great LakeCity guide
Only with a permit. Dogs are allowed on the Arataki Track with a DOC permit, which you get by contacting your closest DOC office before you go.
How steep does the Arataki Track get once you're past the bridge?
How long is the Waipapa Loop in kilometres?
Great LakeCity guide
The Waipapa Loop is a 2.3 km loop. It is a tramping track in the Waipapa ecological area of Pureora Forest Park.
Do primary school kids stay interested on the Waipapa Loop, or is it mostly listening for birds?
Where do I park for the Link Road start of the Hauhungaroa Track?
Great LakeCity guide
Park in the car park on the opposite side of Link Road from the track entrance, about 14 km along the road. The track on the same side as the car park is a different track.
Are there any toilets at the Link Road car park before you head off?
What are the views like from the summit of Mount Pureora?
Great LakeCity guide
You get open views of Lake Taupō, Mount Taranaki and the Manaku ranges from the summit. The forest opens out at the top after the climb through podocarp and broadleaf forest.
Is the climb to the summit steep all the way, or are there a few really steep bits?
How far up the Tongariro can I fish from a boat?
Great LakeCity guide
As far up as the yellow and black striped marker poles, and only from an anchored boat. Small boats and kayaks get in from the delta at the river mouth.
Is the delta a good spot for kids or beginners to have a go at fly fishing from a boat?
Can I fish the Tokaanu Tailrace at night?
Great LakeCity guide
Only until midnight. Fishing is allowed between 5am and midnight, so nothing from midnight to 5am. Wait until 5am for an early start.
Are there toilets near the boat ramp car park, or do you need to go into Tokaanu?
Do the murals stay the same from year to year?
Great LakeCity guide
Not entirely. New artists add fresh walls at Graffiato, so the trail keeps growing and changing. Older murals stay up as well, so you can see the works of years past alongside the new ones.
Where do you usually park for the street art walk, and is it easy to find a spot?
How far away is help if something goes wrong at Lake Rotoaira?
Great LakeCity guide
Help is about 20 minutes away, so call 111 in an emergency. Boaters can monitor VHF channel 62.
Is it an easy walk from the car to a spot you can cast from the shore?
Is it safe to drink the river and stream water in Kaimanawa Forest Park?
Great LakeCity guide
Not untreated. Treat or boil all drinking water in the park because of the risk of Giardia.
How is the gravel road in to Urchin camping area, okay for a normal car?
Is there a tackle shop near Lake Ohakuri?
Great LakeCity guide
No, there are no tackle shops at the lake. Buy your licence, bait and lures before you leave Taupō.
How is parking with a boat trailer at the dam ramp on a busy summer weekend?
Where can I buy flies near the Waimarino?
Great LakeCity guide
Sporting Life at 60 Turangi Town Centre in Tūrangi sells fly gear, nymphs and dry flies. It also runs guided trips and posts regular fishing reports.
Could someone in a wheelchair get down to the water near the SH1 bridge?
Is the Whangamata Stream Trail sealed or is it dirt?
Great LakeCity guide
It's dirt, not sealed. The path runs through forest under tall trees.
Does it get busy with walkers at weekends, or is the path mostly quiet for kids on bikes?
Is there another waterfall on the Taranaki Falls loop?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, you pass Cascade Falls in the beech forest as the track climbs alongside Wairere Stream, before you reach Taranaki Falls itself.
Are dogs allowed on the Taranaki Falls loop, or is it a no go in the national park?
Is there petrol at Pureora before I do the forest walks?
Great LakeCity guide
No, there is no petrol at Pureora, so fill up beforehand. The nearest facilities are at Benneydale, 15 minutes west along SH30, or Mangakino, 20 minutes east.
Did your kids cope with the Rimu Walk, or is the climb to the viewpoint too much for little ones?
Will my phone work on the Te Iringa Track?
Great LakeCity guide
Only on and off, so don't count on it. A satellite locator is strongly recommended for this remote ride.
Has anyone ridden it with a teenager? Wondering if it's realistic for kids.
Can I wear felt-soled wading boots on the Waiotaka?
Great LakeCity guide
No, felt-soled boots are not permitted when fishing for trout, and that includes the Waiotaka. Wear rubber-soled wading boots instead.
Do people take dogs along the track to the mouth, and is it okay with other anglers around?
Is there a playground at Owen Delany Park?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, there's a children's playground at the park, so it works for families as well as sports teams.
Is there much shade along the sidelines of the outer fields on a sunny afternoon?
Is there a shop at Pureora for snacks or supplies?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, Pā Harakeke at Pureora sells a small range of goods. It's open every day in summer and Monday to Friday in winter. There's no petrol at Pureora.
Are there any picnic tables near the Bismarck Road car park or the tower?
Who looks after Te Ātea, the council or someone else?
Great LakeCity guide
Taupō District Council looks after it. The council built it as part of its town centre transformation, and it sits on the public lakefront by Roberts Street.
Is it worth stopping at with kids, or is there not much for them to do?
Is the stream water at the Clements Mill Road campsites safe to drink?
Great LakeCity guide
Treat or boil it first. Giardia is a risk in Kaimanawa Forest Park, so all drinking water should be treated or boiled before you drink it.
How level are the sites at Clements Clearing for a tent or small caravan?
Can I fish for trout at the Tongariro River delta?
Great LakeCity guide
Yes, you can fish for trout from a boat or from the shoreline. You'll need a Taupō fishing licence.
Is there drinking water at the Tokaanu boat ramp, or should I bring my own?
Am I allowed to fly a drone in Tongariro National Park?
Great LakeCity guide
Only with a permit. Flying a drone in the park without one is strictly prohibited.
Is it easy to find a park at Whakapapa Village on a busy weekend?
Nothing here right now.