6 minute read
ROAD TRIP: A journey to Taupō
Rotorua to Taupō via SH 5 - 1hr, 82km
SIDE TRIP - Waiotapu to Murupara (Te Urewera National Park) via SH 38 - 27min, 40.2km
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SIDE TRIP - Waiotapu to Ātiamuri (Waikato River Trails) via Waihikite Valley Rd - 29min, 28km
SIDE TRIP - Mihi to Ōrakei Kōrako via SH 5 onto Tutukau Rd - 17min, 20km
From one lake to another, this journey along SH 5 takes you through country transformed by forestry, with tantalising glimpses of lakes and mountains and a chill in the air as the road climbs higher.
Consider checking out Tokoroa while you’re in the area. Then, back on track, a detour to Ātiamuri may inspire you to explore more by bike, as the Waikato River Trails section of New Zealand’s Cycle Trail passes through here.
Closer to Taupō, factor in a stop at Wairākei to walk among steamy geysers and mud pools or, even better, to slide into the Wairākei Terrace hot pools. Back on the road, another detour to Huka Falls is worth considering at this point, as this must-do attraction is not far off the main route into town.
HIGHLIGHTS
HUKA FALLS
The sheer power of more than 220,000 litres of water per second gushing over this 11-metre waterfall is a little terrifying! The charge of the water at great speed is, in a word,awesome. Viewing platforms and a bridge provide vantage points and plenty of opportunities for photos. If you want to get a rush from another angle, a jet-boat ride or river cruise to the base is brilliant, too.
Huka Falls
Destination Great Lake Taupo
MINE BAY MĀORI ROCK CARVINGS
- In a western bay of Lake Taupō are Māori carvings embedded high into rocky cliff faces. The site can only be reached by boat and best viewed up close from a kayak. Created in the late 1970s by a team of carvers, the works depict a Māori navigator who guided tribes to Taupō more than a thousand years ago.
THERMAL WALKS
Walk alongside Waikato River from Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls. Near the start of the track is Otumuheke Stream, where you can enjoy a free soak in the hot water.
TOKOROA
Timber town Tokoroa, on SH 1, is well known for its hunting and fishing, and guided tours are available for both. Walking tracks and mountain bike trails also feature.
Crazyman sculpture, Tokoroa
South Waikato District Council
GREAT LAKE TRAIL
This 71km mountain biking and walking trail journeys deep into native bush on the edges of Lake Taupō, traversing remote areas of shoreline. The track is part of Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail Network and is broken up into three key sections which can be ridden in either direction.
Great Lake Trail
Bike Taupō
LAVA GLASS STUDIO, GALLERY AND SCULPTURE GARDEN
Enjoy more than 600 outdoor glass sculptures including a 15-piece waterfall. Indoors, master blowers transform hot blobs of molten into a masterpiece.
L’ARTÉ
Created by a mother and daughter duo, the space features a mosaic outdoor living room and other quirky delights, all hand-built on site.
HUKA PRAWN PARK
Fish for these tiny crustaceans and then take your catch to the on-site restaurant for the chefs to prepare.
THE SQUEEZE
Squeeze through Tutukau Gorge‘s tight rock corridors in a jet boat.
Fly fishing Lake Taupo. Destination Great Lake Taupo.
THE BEST WAY TO SEE HUKA FALLS
Pack your camera (although you might want to make it a waterproof one!) because you're not getting better photos of Huka Falls than from a HUKA FALLS RIVER CRUISE. You'll get right up into the fall's ferocious stream of water, with views to render you speechless. Every skipper has an extensive bank of knowledge of both the Waikato River and the surrounding area to enthral guests, with complimentary tea and coffee to sip on while you listen. Experience something incredible on this 80-minute trip; feel the power of the waterfall from the large rear deck and front viewing platform, or step inside and enjoy comfortable interior seating.
SIDE TRIP - ŌRAKEI KORAKŌ
Known as The Hidden Valley, it’s here where you’ll find the most active geysers in New Zealand. The scenery is constantly changing with more than 20 springs spouting up from underground. Situated within the Taupō Volcanic Zone between Taupō and Rotorua and complete with boiling hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some of the world’s largest and most striking silica terraces. Venture underground to the thermal Ruatapu Cave, extending more than 36 metres to the remarkable ‘Pool of Mirrors’ at the bottom. The on site and aptly named Mud Cake Café serves hot drinks, baked goods and other treats.
Ōrakei Kōrako
Ōrakei Kōrako Geothermal Park
TAUPŌ
Situated around the shoreline of Lake Taupō, it’s no surprise this town has a strong water focus. Trout fishing, kayak and boat tours to a beautifully carved cliff face are among highlights. The diverse terrain right on the doorstep of this part of the country is a drawcard that brings adventurers and explorers to the region.
There’s something to suit everyone from the cycling and mountain biking trails and geothermal parks to rushing waterfalls and the slopes of nearby Mt Ruapehu. Not to mention the thriving café, restaurant and bar scene in Taupō’s town centre. Lake Taupō is actually a huge volcano but not to worry; its most recent eruption was in 181AD. Back then, it went off in full force and it’s said the glow was strong enough to change the sky as far away as Europe and China. Perhaps it’s an indication of the lasting impression Taupō will leave long after a visit.
Aerial shot of Taupō
Highlights
> Ōrakei Kōrako
> Huka Falls
> AC Baths Hot Pools
> DeBretts Hot Springs
> Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk
> Otumuheke Stream Natural Hot Pools
AHOY THERE!
Taking to the water is a special way to experience Taupō from a different vantage point. Consider jet boats, yachts… or Doughboats! Part-motorised boat, partinflatable doughnut, they are self-driven and can carry up to six people both day and night. Pack a chilly bin and hop aboard for a two-hour bob on the water.
Doughboats on Lake Taupō
Doughboats
SIDE TRIP - MURUPARA (TE UREWERA)
Murupara was once a staging post for travellers to stop on their journey between Rotorua and Taupō. It’s now a timber town sitting on the edge of the expansive Kāingaroa Forest – the largest plantation forest in the southern hemisphere at 2900 square kilometres. With four marae in the area, there’s a strong Māori population who are more than willing to impart knowledge about their culture, history and way of life.
Another drawcard to Murupara is its easy access into Te Urewera National Park. Home to the iridescent Lake Waikaremoana, a favourite for kayaking, hunting and fly fishing, it’s also the namesake of one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, The Lake Waikaremoana Track.
There are also many other walks accessible within the park: the small settlement of Aniwaniwa near the lake’s shores has a museum and accommodation and is the starting point for several short walks. What’s special about this park is that it protects the largest area of native forest remaining in the North Island and is home to nearly all species of New Zealand native birds. Make sure you pack a camera.
Korokoro Falls, Te Urewera
Chris McLennan
SIDE TRIP - ĀTIAMURI
A section of the Waikato River Trails cycling journey follows the Waikato River from Whakamaru Dam to Ātiamuri, a former hydro village between Rotorua and Taupō. The 25km, grade-three section reveals arguably some of the best scenery of the entire ride.
Southern end of the Waikato River Trails cycling journey
Waikato River Trails
