Huka Falls

At Huka Falls you can witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power with more than 220,000 litres of water per sec barreling over 11meter high waterfall.

To follow the build up to the falls you can hike the Spa Park to Huka Falls trail, an easy one hour walk that begins where the river is still tranquil and wide. Passing through exotic and native forests, the track emerges again alongside the river and the roar of the falls grows louder at every turn. Around the falls there are several great vantage points from which to enjoy their full splendor and capture some very impressive photographs.

Craters of the Moon

Feel the heat of the Earth as you explore a geothermal valley hissing with clouds of steam and view cauldrons of bubbling mud from viewing platform.

The tracks lead to several viewing platforms on the edge of large craters, from where the relentless power of the earth's fiery core becomes truly apparent. You can view clouds of slightly sulphurous steam, hissing vents, colourful soils and cauldrons of bubbling mud as you wander through the otherworldly terrain.

Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings

Take a kayak or boat tour around the scenic Western Bays of Lake Taupō to see the huge Māori rock carving at Mine Bay.

The main carving is over 10 metres high and took four summers to complete. The carvings have become an iconic cultural attraction for the region and a clear demonstration that traditional Māori knowledge and skills continue to be passed from generation to generation.

Aratiatia Rapids

A few times each day, spill gates from a dam are opened at the top of the Aratiatia rapids and the narrow gorge fills with turbulent water surging past at up to 90,000 litres per second. Then, as the gates are closed about thirty minutes later, the turbulence recedes to a placid stream. By seeing the transition to full-flow and back again, visitors can fully appreciate the power of nature.

A scenic two-hour hiking trail between Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Rapids offers excellent views of the Waikato River. It passes through a 142 hectare reserve on the shores of Lake Aratiaitia at the top of the rapids. Mountain bikes are allowed on this trail.

Waipahihi Botanical Reserve

Pack a picnic and wander through the Waipahihi Botanical Reserve, a vast garden of rare alpine plants, rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.

This is a magical and romantic place - not only for the many walks through the flowering shrubs and trees, but also for the outstanding views.

Lake Taupo

Explore the scenic beauty of Lake Taupō by stretching your legs along one of many lakeside walking trails.

The clear waters of Lake Taupō meet sandy beaches and towering cliffs in settings that range from small holiday communities to remote native forests. Take a step away from the areas accessible to vehicles and enjoy the complete peace and quiet of water's edge picnic spots and elevated viewing areas. Careful planning has preserved one of the main features that first attracted people to this area - the beautiful lakeside scenery.

Check out Taupō's top scenic attractions below.