The Taupō Lakefront Reserve stretches along the Lake Taupō shoreline from the Taupō Yacht Club near the mouth of the Waikato River, south-east along Lake Terrace and connecting through to reserves at Wharewaka Point and beyond. It is the main public waterfront strip for the town, combining a swimming beach, the Lions Walk lakeside trail, BBQ and picnic areas, and direct views across the lake toward the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park.
Practical Information
| Location | Lake Terrace, Taupō — running south-east from the Yacht Club |
| Entry | Free, open all hours |
| Facilities | Swimming beach, toilets, BBQ areas, picnic tables, boat ramp access |
| Lions Walk | ~10km lakeside walking trail from Taupō town to Five Mile Bay |
| Parking | Lake Terrace and Tongariro Street car parks |
| Managed by | Taupō District Council |
About the Reserve
The lakefront reserve is where most people in Taupō end up on a warm day. The main swimming area is a sheltered beach close to the town centre, with calm, clear water that is safe for swimming in settled conditions. Public toilets, BBQ facilities, and picnic tables are dotted along the reserve, and the grassed areas are popular for everything from family lunches to informal sports.
The foreshore has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years as part of the Taupō Town Centre Transformation project. The Roberts Street end of the waterfront has been redesigned with a new reserve layout, improved pedestrian access, a lookout point, and additional concession spaces. The changes have opened up more of the waterfront for public use and improved the connection between the town centre and the lake edge.
Lions Walk
The Lions Walk is a roughly 10-kilometre lakeside path running from the town waterfront south-east to Five Mile Bay. The route follows the lake edge closely for most of its length, passing through a series of reserves and offering continuous views across the lake. The full walk takes around 2.5 to 3 hours each way, though most people walk a section and turn back. Good swimming spots with toilets and BBQ facilities are found at Two Mile Bay and Wharewaka Point along the route.
Lake Views
The Taupō Lakefront Reserve offers some of the best unobstructed views of the lake from anywhere in the district. On a clear day the volcanic cones of Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe, and Ruapehu are visible across the water to the south — a distinctive backdrop that makes the waterfront especially popular around sunrise and late afternoon.
What Visitors Say
“The lakefront is exactly what you want from a town waterfront — clean water, good BBQ spots, a nice walking track, and that view of the volcanoes. Spent a full morning here without any plan.”
“Lions Walk is a great way to see the lake. We walked to Two Mile Bay and back — about two hours, easy going, views the whole way.”
Where to Learn More
Taupō District Council – Parks and Reserves lists all reserves along the lakefront with facilities and access details.
Love Taupō – Walking and Hiking covers the Lions Walk route and other lakeside walking options from the town centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the lake safe for swimming at the Lakefront Reserve?
The beach near the town centre is generally sheltered and suitable for swimming. As with all open-water swimming, check conditions on the day — the lake can become choppy in strong wind.
How long is the Lions Walk?
The full Lions Walk from the town waterfront to Five Mile Bay is approximately 10 kilometres and takes around 2.5–3 hours each way. Most visitors walk a shorter section.
Are there BBQ facilities on the reserve?
Yes. BBQ areas and picnic tables are available along the reserve, including at Two Mile Bay and Wharewaka Point.
Is there parking near the lakefront?
Yes. Car parks are available on Lake Terrace and Tongariro Street close to the waterfront.
What can I see from the lakefront?
On clear days you can see the volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe, and Ruapehu across the lake to the south — one of the most striking views in the North Island.
The Taupō Lakefront Reserve is part of the Taupō Parks and Reserves network. The Two Mile Bay Boat Ramp Reserve is a popular stop along the Lions Walk route, and Tongariro Domain is close by in the town centre.