Taupo, Walks & Parks

A visit to the spectacular Huka Falls, just outside Taupo, is a must! Huka is the maori word for 'foam' - very apt when you see this amazing set of thundering rapids, the largest, and final drop being 11 metres. Imagine kayaking down them - some more intrepid paddlers have done just that! You can cross the bridge over the falls and there's an easy walkway on the other side, so you can walk either back to Taupo, to the Aratiatia Dam or just for a short wander.

Tongariro Domain has a playground which is suitable for children and there are picnic tables. The Domain’s toilets also offer a parents’ room with a changing table and microwave, sink and toys for the children. The Lion’s Club operates children's rides on the Domain on a small monorail, weather permitting, for $1 per person. Check with the Visitor Centre for train times during the winter months.

The Craters of the Moon is an area of thermal activity with boiling mud pools, steam vents and interesting plants which have adapted to thrive in the hot, steamy conditions. Boardwalks and pathways have been created to lead spectators safely through this area and the walk will take you around 60 minutes. There is an information office and shop on site.

The Walking Places guide will take you along this easy track through stunning native forest which is home to abundant native bird life. The walk along a well formed track of about 5 kilometres, with a few hills, will take about two and a half hours. Lunch can be provided, along with pick up from your motel or hotel. See the website for further details.

Just five minutes from Turangi is the village of Tokaanu. A short walk around the loop track on well formed paths and boardwalks allows you to see steaming hot mineral pools and bubbling mud pools. Take a picnic with you as there are areas for picnics and fishing. You can swim in the nearby Tokaanu Thermal pools at Mangaroa Street and there are often rainbow trout swimming in the cold Tokaanu stream which flows beside the thermal area. As with all thermal area, children should be supervised at all times.

This magnificent walk was formed by the Taupo Lions Club and is an easy, level walk on a pathway bordering the lake edge. The walk follows the lakeshore south where kowhai trees provide shelter for local wildlife including ducks and swans.

Open from 8.30am to dusk during summer and 9am to 5pm during winter months, you may see birds, rabbits and other small animals on this walk. Boardwalks make the 30 minute walk easy and you'll view bubbling mud pools, steam holes and native bush. Small charge for the walk. Umbrellas available for extra hot or rainy days. There is also a café for refreshments after your walk.

A walk of around one hour will take you along an easy graded track from the Rangatira Point Track through the bush around to Whakamoenga Point. There are good views across the lake from many points along the walkway.