Walks close to Taupo township

Track category

Walking track

Description

Great Lake Walkway: Taupo to Wharewaka Point

The walk time varies depending on which exit you take.

This walkway is part of what may eventually become a track around all of Lake Taupo. From the Lake Taupo Yacht Club follow the path beside Lake Terrace to the Taharepa Road Reserve where a paved track skirts the lake edge to Two Mile Bay then Wharewaka Point. Ideal picnic and swimming spots can be found along the way. Toilets can be found in all of the bays and there is a children's playground and barbecue facility at Wharewaka. Return via the same track or arrange transport back to town.

This and all other walks on this page are open for dog walking, be sure to take your leash.

Great Lake Walkway: Wharewaka Point to Five Mile Bay

Drive south on SH 1 for about 6 km and turn off at Wharewaka Point.
The walk begins at the reserve and follows a formed track on a terrace above the lake edge for 1 km, then passes through several paddocks to the Five Mile Bay Lakefront Reserve.

Control Gates Bridge to Spa Thermal Park

Time: 1 hr

From the Control Gates bridge follow the true right of the Waikato River. Pass the waste treatment station on the right and at the end of the entrance road take a sharp left. Turn right after 20 metres and follow the path to Cherry Island. Head along the river to the steps up to Taupo Bungy. From the top it is only 200 metres to Spa Thermal Park.

Huka Falls Walkway

Huka Falls

Time: 2 hr

Turn right off Tongariro Street into Spa Road at the northern end of Taupo, then left into County Avenue and drive into Spa Thermal Park. Following the signs, walk for five minutes across the park to the Waikato River.

Near the start of the walkway, a bridge crosses a natural hot stream. The well-defined track winds along the riverbank and offers lovely views on the way. The walk finishes at the spectacular Huka Falls, where the Waikato River is confined to a deep rock channel. The river emerges with a rush at the northern end to form the falls.

A pleasant walk for the whole family. Return via the same track or arrange transport from Huka Falls carpark (across the bridge). This walk can be linked with the Aratiatia Rapids Walk.

Rotary Ride: Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls

Time: 2 hr

This is a shared bike track where walkers give way to bikes.

Follow the signs from the end of County Ave (off Spa Road). The track crosses the Otumuheke Stream approximately 200 metres upstream from the Waikato River. From here the track meanders through gullies, twists around trees, runs alongside open farmland, crosses two bridged streams, passes through culverts and has great views of the Waikato River and open valleys.

Return via the same track.

Huka Falls to Aratiatia Rapids Walking Track

Time: 4 hr

Follow SH 1 north from Taupo for about 1.6 km, turn right into Huka Falls Road and follow the signs to Huka Falls. A refreshment kiosk and pay toilets are located in the carpark. The track begins across the bridge. Head left to the last viewing area over Huka Falls. At the back of the viewing area the track climbs onto the cliff tops with magnificent views of the river. It then gradually descends and continues along the river to the Aratiatia hydro dam and rapids. Try to finish the walk when the control gates are due to open.

Return via this route or arrange transport from Aratiatia.

Aratiatia Rapids Viewpoint

A short track to three lookouts over the Aratiatia Rapids begins 50 metres from the bridge on the true right of the river. The dam's control gates are opened several times a day to allow the rapids to flow - a spectacular sight. Check times with the Taupo Visitor Centre.

Waikato River Walking Track

Time: 1 hr

This walk begins at the Huka Falls carpark and ends at Otupo Flat.

Five minutes down the track there is a grassed area with a good view back to the falls. From here there is a short steep climb up to a road then the track drops again to the river and ambles along through a variety of terrain and vegetation. There are several short side tracks to points of interest along the way.

Return on the same track or arrange return transport.

Acacia Bay

The time for this walk varies depending on the route taken.

Follow SH 1 north across the Control Gates, turn left onto Norman Smith Street, then left into Acacia Bay Road. Turn left into Te Kopua Street and park at the end of the cul-de-sac. Walk through patches of native bush to the lake shore then up to the reserve again. Veer right and wander through native bush until the track climbs steeply to Acacia Bay Road. The walk follows the lakeshore and is marked with Scenic Walk signs. The beach walk is also accessible from other points along Acacia Bay Road and can be linked with Little Acacia Bay Walk

Little Acacia Bay Walking Track

Starts about 1 km past Te Kopua Street, heading towards Acacia Bay. The track leads downhill and then to the lake edge through native bush and opens out to Little Acacia Bay.

Rangatira Point Walking Track

Time: 1hr 30 min

Follow Acacia Bay Road past the boat ramp and on for another 2 km. The track starts at the first carpark on the left.

The track leads around the lakeshore to Totara Bay. There is a large group of pines at Te Karaka Point at the far end of the bay. A side track from this point leads back to Acacia Bay Road. The main track continues to Rangatira Point then loops back to meet the road. Excellent lake views. Vehicle access to both ends of this track.

Whakamoenga Walking Track

Time: 1 hr

Follow Acacia Bay Road to the roadend carpark. Begin on the Rangatira Point Track. Turn right at the first junction. An easy graded track runs through the bush beside the lake around to Whakamoenga Point. There are good views across the lake from many points along the walkway. Please respect adjacent private property by staying on the track.
Note: The Rangatira and Whakamoenga Point Tracks can be walked together (2.5 hours return).

Return via the same track

Mapara Walkway

Time: 20 min return

Connects Mapara Road to the end of Brunette Drive. A boardwalked track through native planting restoration areas. Magnificent views.

Activities

Permits are not required for walking dogs on these tracks, but be sure to carry a leash as while most tracks are off leash, some do require dogs to be on a lead.

Plan and prepare

Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.

The weather in central North Island is extremely changeable all year around. Be prepared for all weather.

For longer walks take:

• windproof/waterproof raincoat and overtrousers
• spare warm clothing
• sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots
• food and drink
• map for unmarked routes (available at DOC offices)
• sunglasses and suncream
• first aid kit

We recommend treating all water in from streams.

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