7 Top Must-Do's in Lake Taupō, Tūrangi & Ruapehu

Only in New Zealand would you find a trio of neighbouring regions comprising a lake the size of Singapore, skiing for days, rivers flush with trout and Tongariro National Park, home to the acclaimed one-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike. Adventure at your fingertips and then some.

© AA Traveller 2021

1. The Timber Trail

Peddle your way along this 84km cycleway through Pureora forest, over two days.

2. Ōrakei Kōrako Geothermal Park

Between Taupō and Rotorua, this geothermal park is so remote, visitors must catch a short ferry to reach it. The self-guided walk takes roughly one hour.

3. Huka Falls

Witness 220,000 litres of water spill over an 11m-high ledge every second. A bridge crosses the chasm, or book a jet boat or river cruise to get even closer.

4. Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon © Great Lake Taupō

Pathways and elevated platforms rise over great plumes of steam and fizzing earth.

5. National Trout Centre

Taupō’s offers a wealth of fishing charters and guides. For young anglers visiting over the school holidays, the fishing pond at Tongariro National Trout Centre and hatchery is a great place to start.

6. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Pipped as New Zealand’s finest one-day walk, allow six to eight hours tocover the entire 19.4km.

7. Ruapehu's Sky Waka

The country’s longest and most unique gondola ride travels 1.8km over volcanic landscape. Featuring floor to ceiling windows, and operating both winter and summer, the views are year-round sensational.

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