The Great Lake Pathway

The Great Lake Pathway is daily ritual of mine and my dogs. It starts in the bustling town centre of Taupō and winds its way along the beautiful lake’s edge. Choose your distance, a ten minute stroll for a coffee or ice-cream, or a two hours easy walk to Five Mile Bay. This walking and biking track is flat and has plenty of stop off points for coffee, ice-cream, picnics, swims and breath-taking photo opportunities.

Morning walks are my time to reflect and get inspired for my day ahead. I never get bored of the views across the lake to the snow-capped mountains of the Tongariro National Park. There are plenty of places to stop and reflect on the beauty that inspires not only myself but numerous local artists. Stop at ‘Hotwater Beach’ and dip your toes into the warm thermal waters on the lake’s edge. Be careful not to dig your toes into the sand to deep, it does get hot! You will see signs warning you about the hot water, located about 3km from the town centre.

However far you decide to walk or bike, you will not be disappointed. Plenty of trees to sit under and admire the views, read, sketch, or paint. Do not forget your swimming suit, lovely spots to cool off, my favourite is at Five Mile Bay. A dog friendly beach, been a many a hot summer evening spent swimming here with my black Labrador, Maddie. There are dog restrictions so check the signs along the walk.

Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls

A favourite of mine in Autumn when the leaves are changing colour. The path winds its way along the banks of the clear blue waters of the Waikato River. A lot of time has been spent in recent years clearing the riverbanks to provide amazing views. This walk is a popular one for locals and tourists due to the natural hot stream at the start of the track.

Warm geothermal waters from Otumuheke Stream flow gently into the Waikato River, providing a hot spot for bathers to relax in the healing mineral waters. Find your perfect temperature as the stream cools down as it merges with the river. The area has been carefully developed to provide changing facilities and toilets for the public to enjoy this natural hot stream. Stay and have a coffee and ice-cream while you’re here.

Otumuheke is a historical bathing and meeting place for Maori and the redevelopment has been a joint project between Tuwharetoa (local Maori Iwi) and the Taupo District Council.

I recommend you enjoy the Huka Trail first, and on your return have a well-earned soak at the Otumuheke Stream under the waterfall or in one of the natural rock pools. The trail starts at the hot stream and meanders along the Waikato River to the stunning Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction. On your way there is spectacular scenery, while walking through areas of native bush before arriving at the stunning Huka Falls. You will hear them before you see them. The walk takes about 2 hours return and is the perfect way to discover some of the most beautiful natural surroundings of the Taupo Area.

Mount Tauhara

This walk is a little more challenging, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. This is a 2.5 km climb to the summit of Mount Tauhara, offering panoramic views over Lake Taupo and the central North Island. It is challenging and steep in places, so be prepared by wearing sturdy footwear and taking plenty of water, snacks and warm clothing as there is often a cool wind at the summit. Mount Tauhara is a culturally significant landmark for local Maori ( Tuwharetoa), please respect this and stay to the track and respect the environment.

All the times I have made this climb I have found the hardest part is walking through the farmland at the beginning, so I just stop and admire the view if necessary. Once you enter the native bush the path winds it way up to the summit. It is a rugged path with tree roots and rocks to climb over, so please wear good sensible foot wear. Once at the top, walk a little further to the lookout rocks. This is why you made the effort to climb to the top.