Time: 4-hour return | Grade: Easy | Dogs: yes, under control
This one is for the families more comfortable with a big walk.
It is a shared-use track so if a ride is more your thing that's okay too. Start at Kinloch for a steep walk up to a stunning view over Kawakawa Bay, followed by a descent into the bay itself with plenty of opportunity for a swim or a lakeside picnic.
If you have never been around the western side of Lake Taupō you are missing out.
Cruise around to the small settlement of Pukawa and you'll find yourself in a different world.
The Pukawa Bush Walk is a 45-minute walk through lush forest. There's a bit of a climb, but plenty of shade to keep cool, and you'll be rewarded with some stunning lake views.
Birdlife flourishes here thanks to active pest control by the Pukawa Wildlife Management Trust – we suggest a morning trip to fully appreciate their success.
Rotopounamu
Time: 20 min or 2 hours | Grade: easy | Dogs: no
This jewel of a lake snuggles into the side of sacred Mt Pihanga and can be accessed from State Highway 47.
Spend time listening and looking for kākā and toutouwai/robins or, if you're really lucky, spot our tiniest bird – tītipounamu or rifleman.
Wildlife thrives at Rotopounamu under the extensive predator control managed by Project Tongariro.
Opepe Scenic & Historic Reserve
Time: 30 min or 1 hour | Grade: easiest | Dogs: yes, must be under control
Stroll through history in this reserve notable both for its mature podocarp forest and its human stories.
Accessed from State Highway 5 not far from Taupō, it's a perfect morning out for a young family.
The Taupō branch of Forest & Bird keeps this forest humming with life with their ever-expanding trap lines.
Kiko Loop
Time: 1.5 hours | Grade: Easy | Dogs: only with DoC permit
Hidden down a long gravel road (Kiko Rd) off State Highway 1 between Oruatua and Motuoapa, you'll find a highly underrated walk.
In just under 4km you'll discover everything from podocarp forest and beech forest to regenerating bushland. Keep an eye out for curious toutouwai/North Island robins.
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