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Travelling with Pets - TAUPŌ, TŪRANGI & RUAPEHU
DOG PARKS
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SECOMBE PARK, TAUPŌ A local favourite found off Rainbow Drive where the kids can play on parkland and in the lake while the dogs get their own off-leash time spent swimming and zooming around.
TE RANGIITA/WAITETOKO LAKESIDE RESORT, TAUPŌ Check out this lakeside area just past Waitahanui. It’s a perfect spot to take dogs who love a good game of fetch, as they can sprint off-leash along a long stretch of lake edge.
TAIPAHI ROAD RESERVE, TŪRANGI A place of natural beauty and the bonus of being off-leash, dogs can explore alongside their families, with walking and cycle trails running along the riverside.
WHAKAIPO BAY RECREATIONAL RESERVE, KINLOCH A bit of a drive to get to from Taupō but this a beautiful lakeside spot where your pup can frolic offleash in the water to cool down during summer.
HIPAPATUA/REID’S FARM, TAUPŌ Located on the banks of theWaikato River on Huka Falls Road, this reserve is just outside of the town and popular with freedomcampers. Under control dogs are welcome to share the fresh water.
RIVERBANK RECREATIONAL AND SCENIC RESERVE, TAUPŌ A picturesque off-leash spot with great walking tracks following the riverbank. It can get busy with dogs and their humans sharing the water but still lots of fun on a hot or cold day, if you can find the thermal patches.
TE RANGIITA/WAITETOKO LAKESIDE RESERVE, TŪRANGI A large grass reserve beside the lake shore with crystal clear waters where happy dogs can run free and play with sticks and floating pumice while swimming with their family pack.
MORE...
• Waipāhīhī Reserve, Taupō
• Hawai Street Reserve, Taupō
• Kinloch Marina Reserve
• Whareroa Esplanade Reserve (aka Kōwhai Flats), Taupō
• Taupahi Road Reserve, Tūrangi
• Ōwhango Recreational Domain, Ruapehu
CHECK OUT
MW2K ON THE GREAT LAKES TRAIL, TAUPŌ Well-disciplined dogs are welcome here and the super fit canines will have a blast running off some energy. There’s a water tank and drinking bowl up the top and, conveniently, Whakaipo Bay awaits at the bottom for everyone to cool off in.
ALL ABOARD! You can take in the stunning natural attractions of Taupō’s Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings with Ernest Kemp’s tours, or hop on a Huka Falls River Cruise, to day trip with your best canine pal.
TE TUHI DOME, TAUPŌ Close to Kinloch Bay, this large geodesic structure is nestled into the hillside with views across farmland, native bush, down to Lake Taupō visible from every aspect. But best of all, you can share this sleepover experience with your furry friend.
Ora Garden, Taupō Museum
© Destination Taupō
WALKIES
ARATIATIA RAPIDS LOOKOUT Easy 1.5km return, on-leash
REDWOODS TO HUKA FALLS TRAIL Moderate 4.5km return, on-leash
RANGATIRA POINT TRACK, ACACIA BAY Easy 3km return, on-leash
RANGATIRA POINT TRACK, ACACIA BAY Easy 3km return, some off-leash (and swimming spots for all)
WHAKAMOENGA POINT, ACACIA BAY Easy 3km return, on-leash
PUKAWA BUSH WALK, TAUPATA Easy 1.5km return, on-leash
ŌPEPE NORTHERN WALKING TRACK, TAUPŌ Easy 1km loop, some off-leash
ŌPEPE SOUTHERN WALKING TRACK, TAUPŌ Easy 3km loop, some off-leash
WAIPEHI WALK, TŪRANGI Easy 1.5km point-to-point, on-leash
MAKOTUKU RIVER WALK, RAETIHI Easy 4km loop, on-leash
Harry & Tui
© Keely Landon Lane
BIG ADVENTURES
HUKA FALLS TO ARATIATIA RAPIDS TRACK Easy 7km loop, on-leash
TONGARIRO RIVER TRACK, TŪRANGI Easy 15km loop, some off-leash
GREAT LAKE PATHWAY (LION’S WALK) TAUPŌ Easy 10km return, on-leash on a path shared with bikes
Shopping in Ohakune
© Miles Holden
HAPPY CAMPERS - Check before you go!
• Motutere Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park, Taupō
• Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Taupō DeBretts
• Whakaipo DOC Campsite, Kinloch (self-contained only)
• Taupō Top 10 Holiday Park
Lake Taupō
© Todd Eyre
