Walk to the top of Mt Tauhara for stunning views over Lake Taupo and beyond.
On a clear day you’ll get excellent views of Lake Taupo, Mt Tongariro and not forgetting Mt Ruapehu. Mt Tauhara is 1,088m above sea level and was formed about 65,000 years ago. The walk starts from the sign behind the large pine tree, walk over farm land to the water tanks. Follow the walking track to the summit of Mt Tauhara. See photos and more details below.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Taupo, North Island NZ
- Distance: 2.80 kms
- Time needed: 1 Hour 15 Minutes to the top – 3 hours return walk
- Difficulty: Medium to hard
- Wheelchair Access: No
- Route: One Way
- Elevation: 1088m
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: No
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: Yes
- Last Updated: August, 2021
Summary points for walking Mt Tauhara
Womens Hiking Gear
Guided Walking Tours
Points of interest along the walk
Point 1: Mt Tauhara car park
From downtown Taupo, all you need to do is make your way to the Taupo, Napier Highway. You can see Mt Tauhara from town. At 5.2km from the lake edge you will see the sign to Mountain Road and N.Z.A.D rifle range, turn left and drive to the end of the road.
Point 2: Into the scrub
Behind the rather large pine tree you will see the sign to the start of the track. For the first 50 minutes you will be walking up hill over farm land to the water tanks. Then you disappear into the scrub.
Point 3: Water
From the water tanks it is up hill all the way. The track is not to bad to start off with just a little on the steep side but that does not last for long.
Point 4: Mt Tauhara Summit
The walk to the summit of Mt Tauhara from the creek is very enjoyable, there is a short flat section to walk along before the last climb to the summit of Mt Tauhara. Today the views of the whole Lake Taupo district was outstanding. Some light cloud passed overhead and the wind was bitterly cold but in all it was a fantastic day.
Return the same way back to your car.
What sort of walking and hiking gear will you need
We’ve partnered with Macpac outdoor walking & hiking gear to bring you the very best products designed exclusively for our New Zealand climate. They’ll ship for FREE within NZ on orders over $100 (if under $100 it’s only $5). Worldwide international shipping is available except to the USA. Bulky orders will be $20.
