Taupo Lakeside walks
Explore the scenic beauty of Lake Taupo by stretching your legs along one of many lakeside walking trails.
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Along the eastern side of the lake, heading south from the Taupo township, there is a one hour walk from Two Mile Bay to Five Mile Bay. This is an easy stroll through lakeside reserves, with several idyllic picnic and swimming locations along the way.
Directly opposite, on the western shore, a track from the road leads downhill and then travels beside the lake through native bush to Little Acacia Bay. From here a track continues to Rangatira Point, which offers spectacular views across the lake to the distant mountains of the Tongariro National Park.
About 24 kilometres around the north-western shore from Taupo lies the picturesque town of Kinloch. From the beach at Kinloch, a track to Kawakawa Bay gives walkers an opportunity to see a unique part of the Western Bays, an area normally only accessible by boat. Enjoy the glorious views as the track climbs along cliff tops through regenerating native forests, including the rewarewa forest. The track then traverses across a saddle and down to Kawakawa Bay, passing a giant matai tree. There is a lovely picnic area at Kawakawa Bay. Returning the same way, this walk takes about four to five hours in total.
At the southern end of Lake Taupo, along the Western Highway north from Turangi, there are several picturesque settlements offering lakeside walks.