Opepe Bush Reserve Walks: Discover History and Nature Combined
Immerse yourself in Opepe Bush Reserve’s captivating walks, where history intertwines with nature—discover what secrets lie along the trails.
Scenic Trails from Lakefront to Forest!
Taupō, located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of walking tracks that showcase the region’s stunning natural beauty. From tranquil lakeside strolls to challenging hikes through lush forests and volcanic landscapes, these Taupō walking tracks cater to all levels of fitness and adventure. This guide explores the best walking tracks in the area, highlighting scenic viewpoints, unique geological features, and opportunities to immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings of this iconic destination.
Immerse yourself in Opepe Bush Reserve’s captivating walks, where history intertwines with nature—discover what secrets lie along the trails.
Uncover the enchanting beauty of the Tree Trunk Gorge Track, where nature’s wonders await, but be prepared for its challenging surprises along the way.
Open the door to a delightful family adventure at Taupō Trout Centre, where nature walks and educational fun await—discover what else lies ahead!
On the Whakamoenga Walking Track, immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife—discover what captivating secrets await along this scenic journey.
Open the door to adventure on the Tongariro Northern Circuit, where stunning landscapes and rich Māori culture await your exploration. Discover the journey that lies ahead!
I invite you to explore the serene Mapara Walkway in Taupō, where stunning views and family-friendly adventures await—discover what makes this retreat special.
Journey through Kaimanawa Forest Park’s stunning tracks, from the iconic Pillars of Hercules to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. What adventures await you?
I invite you to explore the tranquil beauty of the Lake Rotopounamu Track, where nature’s wonders await your discovery.
Catch breathtaking views of Huka Falls Loop, where New Zealand’s most powerful waterfall awaits—discover the adventure that lies beyond the falls.
Lakefront wonders await on the Rangatira Point Walking Track, where breathtaking views and hidden gems beckon you to explore further.
Get ready to experience breathtaking views along Lake Taupō with the Great Lake Walkway—discover all the amazing features that await you!
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Kawakawa Bay Track, where hidden gems await around every corner, enticing you to discover more.
Breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities await on the Great Lake Trail, but what hidden gems will you discover along the way?
Get ready to discover breathtaking views and hidden wildlife on the Acacia Bay Walking Track—your adventure awaits!
Keen to explore the stunning Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch Track? Discover breathtaking views and native wildlife that await you along this unforgettable lakeside adventure.
Step into the breathtaking beauty of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, where stunning landscapes await—discover what makes this hike truly unforgettable.
Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Huka Falls to Aratiatia Rapids Trail, where adventure awaits at every turn. Discover the hidden gems along the way!
Open your senses to the geothermal wonders of Taupō’s Craters of the Moon Walkway, where incredible surprises await around every corner.
Marvel at the scenic beauty of the Riverside Trail from Control Gates Bridge to Spa Park, where adventure awaits around every bend.
Take a scenic stroll from Spa Park to Huka Falls, where breathtaking views and geothermal wonders await—discover the magic of Taupō’s iconic trail!
Journey through the breathtaking Tongariro River Trail near Tūrangi, where stunning views and wildlife await—discover what adventures lie ahead!
Overview:
Often called one of the best day hikes in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers an extraordinary journey across volcanic terrain, from active geothermal fields to glistening emerald lakes. This hike is a must for those seeking an epic adventure.
Distance: 19.4 km one-way
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
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Following the Waikato River from Taupō, this scenic walkway leads to the breathtaking Huka Falls, where an impressive 220,000 litres of water surge through a narrow chasm each second. The track’s easy accessibility and scenic views make it a popular choice.
Distance: 3 km one-way
Duration: 1 hour each way
Difficulty: Easy
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This walk takes you through one of Taupō’s most active geothermal areas. The Craters of the Moon Walk is a boardwalk path that winds past bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and unique lunar-like craters – a fascinating experience for all ages.
Distance: 2.7 km loop
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
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A local favourite, the Lake Rotopounamu Track is a peaceful 5-km loop around a stunning crater lake surrounded by lush native forest. Known as the “Greenstone Lake,” Lake Rotopounamu is serene and offers a glimpse into Taupō’s pristine natural beauty.
Distance: 5 km loop
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
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For those looking for a challenge, the Mount Tauhara Summit Track offers a rewarding climb up a dormant volcanic cone. The trek to the summit is steep but worth it for the panoramic views over Lake Taupō and the surrounding Central Plateau.
Distance: 2.8 km one-way
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours each way
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
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One of Taupō’s most popular walks, the Great Lake Walkway stretches along the lakeshore from Taupō town to Five Mile Bay. Known locally as the Lion’s Walk, this track offers stunning views of Lake Taupō, with Mount Ruapehu as a backdrop on clear days.
Distance: 10 km one-way
Duration: 2 to 3 hours each way
Difficulty: Easy
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Part of the longer Great Lake Trail, the Waihaha Hut Track is a scenic journey through native bush and rugged landscape, ending at the peaceful Waihaha Hut. This section of the trail offers glimpses of waterfalls, cliffs, and panoramic lake views.
Distance: 10 km one-way
Duration: 3 to 4 hours each way
Difficulty: Moderate
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Taupō’s diverse range of walking tracks showcases the natural beauty and unique landscape of the region. From the challenging heights of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mount Tauhara to the peaceful, family-friendly paths around Lake Rotopounamu, there’s a track for every type of walker. Taupō’s trails not only provide fantastic exercise but also offer a chance to reconnect with nature, explore geothermal wonders, and enjoy some of New Zealand’s most iconic views.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the beauty of Taupō’s walking tracks awaits you.
While Taupō is famous for its iconic walking tracks like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Huka Falls Walkway, the region also boasts a variety of lesser-known trails that offer a quieter, more intimate experience of Taupō’s natural beauty. These hidden gems take walkers through lush native forests, alongside serene rivers, and up to scenic viewpoints, making them perfect for those looking to explore Taupō’s lesser-travelled paths.
Overview:
Part of the Great Lake Trail, the Otaketake section is a scenic but less-trafficked trail through native forest, offering wonderful lake views and peaceful, shaded paths. The trail’s relatively easy terrain and stunning scenery make it an excellent choice for walkers looking for a new area to explore without the crowds.
Distance: 9.8 km one-way
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
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The K2K Track is a scenic path that stretches from Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay, following the shores of Lake Taupō. This track is known for its rugged, remote feel, despite being close to Kinloch. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking a scenic lakeside walk with the bonus of a secluded beach at the end.
Distance: 9.2 km one-way
Duration: 2-3 hours each way
Difficulty: Moderate
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This track offers a fantastic lakeside journey from Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch, weaving through native bush and offering incredible views of the lake. This trail is part of the Great Lake Trail network and provides a quieter alternative to the more popular sections.
Distance: 14 km one-way
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
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This short but scenic track near Lake Rotokawa takes walkers through areas of geothermal activity, offering a quieter alternative to more famous geothermal walks. Perfect for a short walk that still delivers unique sights, the Rotokawa Track is often overlooked by visitors, making it a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Distance: 1.5 km loop
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
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A hidden gem on the southern side of Lake Taupō, the Waihora Lagoon Track takes walkers to a small, secluded lagoon surrounded by lush native bush. This track is a short, relatively easy walk that offers a beautiful glimpse into the peaceful landscapes around Taupō.
Distance: 2 km return
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
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Located within Pureora Forest Park, the Otupoto Falls Track leads walkers to a stunning, secluded waterfall surrounded by native forest. It’s a short but rewarding walk that offers a taste of Taupō’s forested landscapes without the crowds of the better-known tracks.
Distance: 3 km return
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
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For those looking for a more challenging walk with incredible rewards, the Marotiri Ridge Track provides a hike up a less-frequented ridge offering panoramic views over Lake Taupō. It’s a hidden gem perfect for experienced hikers.
Distance: 5 km one-way
Duration: 2-3 hours each way
Difficulty: Challenging
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Taupō’s lesser-known tracks offer hidden treasures for walkers and hikers who seek solitude and unique scenery. From the serene shores of Waihora Lagoon and the remote Waihaha Hut Track to the geothermal wonders of Rotokawa, these trails provide an alternative experience to Taupō’s more popular paths. Whether you’re a local looking to explore more of your backyard or a visitor seeking the road less travelled, these hidden gems around Taupō offer unforgettable journeys through the region’s diverse and beautiful landscapes.
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© February 8, 2025 | Explore Taupo