Tokaanu thermal walk
See also:
Another short walk nearby is to the top of 490 metre Manganamu, an old lava dome.
Easy access walk
Time:
20 min loop track
Getting there
Begins from Tokaanu Thermal Pools complex (6 km from Turangi on SH 41).
About the area
Tokaanu is one of a number of small lakeside settlements around Lake Taupo, catering for both permanent residents and those with holiday accommodation. It is a 5 minute drive from Turangi, the largest town at the southern end of the lake.
Tokaanu has a long association with tourism. In the late 1800s and early 1900s tourists travelling the Grand Tourist Route from Wanganui to Tauranga arrived by stage coach from Waiouru, stayed the night in the Tokaanu Hotel then departed from the historic Tokaanu wharf by steam launch for Taupo at the northern end of the lake.
Description
Tokaanu Thermal Area
This short walk, a loop track, provides an interesting glimpse of a natural thermal area. See steaming hot mineral pools set in sinter basins and spluttering mud pools amidst the native bush.
For hundreds of years, Maori have used the geothermal resources of this area for cooking, bathing and leisure. Share in this tradition by having a therapeutic and relaxing swim at the nearby Tokaanu Thermal Pools.
Rainbow trout can often be seen here in the cold Tokaanu stream that flows beside the thermal area.
Places to stay
Motel, backpacker and lodge accommodation is available at Tokaanu and in Turangi.
Plan and prepare
Thermal areas are changeable by nature so please keep to the track. Children should be supervised at all times.
What to expect on an easy access walk:
- Easy walking for up to an hour
- Track is well formed, with an even surface. Few or no steps or slopes
- Suitable for people of all abilities and fitness
- Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes required
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