Lions Walk

The Great Lake Walkway is a great thing to do in Taupo for anyone as it is an easy stroll along the lake edge, beginning at the Taupo Boat Harbour and following the Lake Terrace south.

The Great Lake Walkway starts at the Taupo Boat Harbour but you can start and finish your walk or ride anywhere along the trail. You could take a short 5-minute stroll or ride the entire length.

The trail is an easy grade 1 bike ride, suitable for riders of every skill level, from absolute beginners to experts wanting a relaxed, scenic cruise. This is riding at its most basic level and is an ideal opportunity for a family to experience Lake Taupo together.

From the harbor, the trail passes the Lake Taupo Yacht Club, then follows the path beside the Lake Terrace to the Taharepa Road Reserve where a paved track skirts the lake edge to Two Mile Bay then to Wharewaka Point. The Great Lake Walkway has been extended by a local family and now finishes at Five Mile Bay.

Take in the stunning views of the magnificent mountains of the Tongariro National Park - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe across the lake. The views are even more spectacular in the winter when the mountains are covered in snow.

The track passes a number of popular hotels and motels, as well as hot water spots where you can stop and dip your toes in the hot sand.

Kowhai trees have been planted along the way to provide shelter for local wildlife. Ideal picnic and swimming spots can be found along the way. Plenty of opportunity to feed the ducks and admire the swans.

Toilets can be found in all of the bays and there is a children’s playground and barbecue facility at Wharewaka. Return via the same track or arrange transport back to town.

With stunning scenery and lapping lake water on the pumice beaches, this popular Taupo walking and cycling trail is a therapeutic and relaxing walk for any age group.