Around Lake Taupo there are a variety of access tracks to the tributary rivers. Some tracks are through DOC administered reserves and others across private land. Category: Tramping track
Kaimanawa Forest Park (77,348 hectares) lies south-east of Taupo and extends from Tongariro National Park in the west to the Kaweka Range in the east. Category: Tramping track
On the western side of Kaimanawa Forest Park there are a number of walking tracks. Some have mountain bike access as well. Category: Walking track
High on the slopes of Mt Tongariro, Ketetahi Hut is part of the Northern Circuit Great Walk. The Ketetahi Track is also a section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Category: Tramping track Distance: 13 km return Completion Time: 4 - 5 hr
Rotopounamu/Greenstone Lake nestles on the side of Mt Pihanga. This beautiful lake is a special favourite of tree lovers, birdwatchers, walkers and swimmers. Category: Walking track Distance: 5 km Completion Time: 2 hr loop track
The climb up to Mt Ruapehu Crater is not a marked route. People wishing to make the climb to the crater should be experienced trampers and well equipped. Category: Route Distance: 7 - 10 km Completion Time: 5 - 7 hr Alert: Ruapehu has snow cover to about 2200m with rocky patches emerging. Beware of spring snow conditions with possible crevasses & waterfall holes forming as the snowpack melts – take care!
Mangawhero Falls, Lake Rotokura, wheelchair accessible Mangawhero Forest Track and the Rimu Track are some short walks you can enjoy around the Ohakune area. Category: Short walk
Lake Surprise and Old Blyth tramping tracks are two 5-hour return tramps you can enjoy in the Ohakune area. Category: Tramping track
Ohakune Old Coach Road is a unique walk and cycleway. Take a trip back into New Zealand's rail heritage while you walk or cycle across gentle coach trails and newly formed tracks. Category: Walking track Distance: 6.4 km Completion Time: 2 hr
It will take you 4 to 5 days to complete the Round the Mountain (Mt Ruapehu) Track at Tongariro National Park. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 4 - 6 days
Just a 20 minute walk offers visitors the chance to see steaming hot mineral pools and spluttering mud pools. Thermal areas are changeable by nature so please keep to the track. Category: Easy access walk Completion Time: 20 min loop track
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track passes over varied and spectacular volcanic terrain and takes around 6 - 8 hours to complete. Category: Tramping track Distance: 19.4 km Completion Time: 6 to 8 hr Alert: Summer conditions prevail on the Crossing, so carry lots of water and sunscreen.
Winding its way over Mt Tongariro and around Mt Ngauruhoe is the Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of the Great Walks of New Zealand. Category: Great Walk/Easier tramping track Completion Time: 3 - 4 days Alert: Summer is here, so be sure to carry sunscreen and lots of water.
Enjoy the walking tracks within 15-20 minutes driving time of Turangi. Category: Walking track
The Waitonga Falls is a 1 hour 30 minutes walk on a well-formed track through mountain beech and kaikawaka forest. The 39 m falls are Tongariro National Park’s highest falls. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min
There are many short to medium length walks very close to Taupo township. Category: Walking track
Relatively close to Taupo township there are a number of pleasant, reasonably easy walks that offer magnificent views of Lake Taupo and the surrounding mountains of Kaimanawa Forest Park and Tongariro National Park. Category: Walking track
Enjoy these walking tracks located within a 30 minutes drive from Whakapapa Village. Category: Walking track
These short walks are either accessible on foot from Whakapapa Village or require a short drive to the start of the track. Category: Short walk
Slightly more demanding than short walks these walking tracks are either accessible from Whakapapa Village on foot or require a short drive to the start of the track. Category: Walking track Alert: Changes to Taranaki Falls track.
Winding through stunted beech forest, the 11 km Whakapapaiti Valley Track makes its way to the Whakapapaiti Hut. From here you can continue back to Whakapapa Village. Category: Tramping track
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Easy access walks - North Island
Easy access walks - South Island
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Track category definitions
Plan and prepare for your trip
The Great Walks
Stop the spread of didymoCheck, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Safety information
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