Great Lake Walkway (also known as the Lions Walk)

From the Lake Taupo Yacht Club, follow the path beside Lake Terrace along a track which skirts the lake edge to Wharewaka Point. Swimming, toilets and picnic spots can be found along the way. There is a playground and barbecue facilities at Wharewaka. You can keep following the track from Whakawaka on to Five Mile Bay. 

Waipahihi Botanical Garden

Follow SH 1 south through Taupo and turn left onto Shepherd Road. Walkways through forest and gardens with beautiful lake and mountain views and picnic areas.

Control Gates Bridge to Spa Thermal Park

Duration: One hour

From 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 20m and follow the path to Cherry Island and from there along the river to the steps up to Taupo Bungy.

Huka Falls Walkway

Duration: Two hours, return via the same track

Turn left off Spa Road into County Avenue. Park at the end and follow the signs across the park to the Waikato River. The track winds along the riverbank and finishes at Huka Falls. It can also be linked with the Aratiatia Rapids Walk.

Rotary Ride: Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls

Duration: Two hours, return via the same track

This is a shared track where walkers give way to bikes. Follow the signs from the end of County Avenue. The track crosses the Otumuheke Stream and runs from there to Huka Falls.

Huka Falls to Aratiatia Rapids Walking Track

Duration: Four hours, return via the same track

From SH1 north of Taupo, turn right into Huka Falls Road and follow the signs to the Huka Falls carpark. Cross the bridge and head left. At the back of the last viewing area the track climbs onto the cliff tops with magnificent views and continues along the river to the Aratiatia hydro dam and rapids.

Aratiatia Rapids Viewpoint

A short track to three lookouts over the Aratiatia Rapids begins 50m 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. Check times with the Taupo Information Centre.

Craters of the Moon Walking Track

Duration: One hour loop track

From SH1 north of Taupo turn left into Karapiti Road and follow it to the carpark. This is a walk in a dynamic thermal area which features sizzling and bubbling craters, mud pools and steam vents. The ground can be unstable, so keep to the boardwalks.

Waikato River Walking Track

Duration: One hour one way

This walk begins at the Huka Falls carpark and ends at Otupo Flat. It covers a variety of terrain and vegetation and has good views of Huka Falls.

Acacia Bay Beach Walking Track

From Acacia Bay Road, turn left into Te Koopua Street and park at the end. Walk through patches of native bush to the lakeshore then up to the reserve again. Veer right and wander through native bush until the track climbs to Acacia Bay Road. The walk follows the lakeshore and is marked with Scenic Walk signs.

Acacia Bay South Walking Track

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

Rangitira Point Walking Track

Duration: 1 1/2 hours return

Follow Acacia Bay Road past the boat ramp from another 2km. The track starts at the first carpark on the left. It leads around the lakeshore to Totara Bay. At a large group of pines at Te Karaka Point a side track leads back to Acacia Bay Road. The main track continues to Rangatira Point then loops back to meet the road.

Whakamoenga Walking Track

Duration: One hour, return via the same track

Follow Acacia Bay Road to the roadend carpark. Begin on the Rangatira Point track. Turn right at the first junction. The track runs through the bush beside the lake around to Whakamoenga Point. Please respect adjacent private property by staying on the track.

Note: can be walked together witht he Rangatira Point track (2.5 hours return).

Mapara Walkway

Duration: 20 minutes return

Connects Mapara Road to the end of Brunette Drive. A boardwalk track through native planting restoration area with magnificent views.