Walks and Hikes in Tūrangi
Tūrangi is a damn good place to stretch your legs. With Lake Taupō on one side, the Kaimanawa Forest Park on another, and the Tongariro National Park on ANOTHER side, you’ll find plenty of awesome walking and hiking tracks near Tūrangi.
So what are the Tūrangi walks you can’t miss?
Check out the list of walks in Turangi below for river trails, walks in various different types of native forest, walks alongside lakes, on top of mountains, where birds are abundant and much more!
And by the way, walks are not the only thing on offer in Tūrangi. Check out these 10 Tūrangi Must-Dos for more inspiration for your stay in this North Island town.
Plus, for more walks in the Tongariro National Park that are within driving distance of Tūrangi, see 10 Best Walks Around Waimarino (National Park Village) and Whakapapa Village.
Table of Contents
1. Lake Rotopounamu (2-hour Loop)
Walk among the lush forest of Lake Rotopounamu. This peaceful 5 km (3 mi) loop encircles the vibrant green “greenstone lake”, offering picturesque picnic spots and a chance to swim in summer.
The trail gently climbs from the car park before levelling out, making it perfect for families and bird enthusiasts.
Look out for cheeky toutouwai (North Island robins), riflemen and kōmiromiro (tomtits) brought back by Project Tongariro’s restoration work.
Location: 12 km (7 mi) from Turangi. Find the walk and car park signposted about 8 km (5 mi) along State Highway 47, between Tūrangi and National Park.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Tokaanu Thermal Walk (20-minute Loop)
Don’t miss this short walk full of geothermal activity! The 20-minute loop walk is wheelchair accessible, taking you through native bush to several geothermal features. See steaming lakes, hot springs, bubbling mud and colourful silica features.
We can’t get enough of this micro-adventure that packs a punch in under half an hour. The easy 500 m loop leads you past bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and mineral-rich pools nestled in native bush.
What’s more, this walk is steeped in cultural significance. The Ngāti Kurauia have lived alongside these thermal waters since at least the 16th century, using them for cooking, healing, and dyeing traditional weavings.
Location: 6 km (4 miles) from Turangi. Take State Highway 41 for 5 km (3 miles) and follow the brown signs for “Hot Pools”. The Tokaanu Thermal Walk starts beside the Tokaanu Hot Pools.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Tongariro River Trail (3-hour Loop)
This 15 km (9 mi) trail along the Tongariro River offers a laid-back riverside escape that’s perfect for both walkers and cyclists.
The mostly flat, easy-to-moderate loop takes you through native bush, farmland and along clean riverbanks. It’s an ideal adventure for novice walkers and families, taking about two to three hours to complete.
As you wander, keep an eye out for anglers trying their luck in the emerald waters or, if you’re fortunate, spot a rare whio (Blue Duck).
The trail’s only noticeable climb leads to the Tongariro River Lookout, rewarding you with sweeping views of the river framed by Tongariro National Park‘s rugged peaks.
Be sure to cross the swing bridges and visit the Trout Centre for a quick picnic and to see some freshwater life.
Location: While there are several access points to the trail, the most popular place to start is from the Tongariro River Bridge on State Highway 1, Turangi, Waikato, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Tongariro River Lookout (1-hour Loop)
If you don’t fancy walking the whole 15 km (9 mi) of the Tongariro River Trail (see above), a great alternative is a shorter loop from the State Highway 1 Tongariro River Bridge to the Major Jones Bridge, taking about 1 hour to complete.
On the east side of the river, the trail ascends onto some high cliffs offering views across the Tongariro River and Turangi.
Location: Start from the Tongariro River Bridge on State Highway 1. You can start the loop from either side of the bridge. The walk from the east side of the bridge will take you up to the lookout first.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Tree Trunk Gorge (1 Hr 30 Mins One Way)
Delve into the dense beech forest of the Kaimanawa Forest Park on this mountain bike/walking trail near Turangi.
The red beech provides another type of native forest to explore in the Turangi area, as well as harbouring native birds to see along the way.
Be aware that there are a couple of stream crossings, one being up to knee-deep. They are easy enough to cross except for after heavy rain.
Location: 23 km (14 mi) from Turangi. Take State Highway 1 south and turn onto Tree Trunk Gorge Road where the track is signposted.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Tongariro Crossing (8 Hours One Way)
Turangi is often chosen as a base for the famous Tongariro Crossing as it is just 20-25 minutes drive from the Ketetahi Car Park and the town has plenty of shuttle services to The Crossing.
This 19.4 km (12 mi) one-way track takes you over dramatic volcanic landscapes with some of the most captivating mountain views of the country.
Find out more at Guide to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Location: Location: The Ketetahi Car Park for the Tongariro Crossing is 24km (15 miles) from Turangi. Take State Highway 1 south, then State Highway 46 where the Ketetahi Car Park is signposted.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Kiko Loop Walk (1 Hr 30 Mins Loop)
This little-known walk in the Kaimanawa Forest Park offers a perfect bite-sized forest odyssey.
The 4 km (2.5 mi) loop takes you through some of the most stunning old-growth forests in the Turangi area.
Marvel at towering mataī, miro and rimu, and keep an eye out for native birds like the curious toutouwai (North Island robin). With gentle ups and downs, it’s suitable for both walkers and mountain bikers, taking about 1 hr 30 mins on foot or 45 minutes on wheels.
Location: 27 km (17 mi) from Turangi. Take State Highway 1 north for 10 km (6 mi) then turn onto Kiko Road. Follow Kiko Road for 17 km (10.5 mi) all the way to end of the road where there is a car park. Be aware that Kiko Road is a gravel road. During the last couple of kilometres toward the car park, the road narrows and is not well maintained so take it easy.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Pukawa Bush Walk (45-minute Loop)
Find this walk in the small nearby settlement of Pukawa. This short bushwalk captures stunning views of Lake Taupo on its way through rimu, matai, totara and kamahi trees. There are short uphill climbs along the way.
Location: 16 km (10 mi) from Turangi. Take State Highway 41 for 14 km (9 mi) and turn onto Pukawa Road. From Pukawa Road, turn onto Hauraki Terrace where the walk is signposted.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Pukawa to Omori (30 Minutes One Way)
Despite the Department of Conservation (DOC) website stating this walk is 1 hr 20 mins one-way walk, the Pukawa to Omori is easily a 30-minute stroll.
Walk through native forest, home to tui and bellbird, until you arrive at the Omori Reserve on the edge of Lake Taupo. Continue on the track over Omori Stream for more views over Lake Taupo and access to the small settlement of Omori.
Location: 16 km (10 mi) from Turangi. Take State Highway 41 for 14 km (9 mi) and turn onto Pukawa Road. Continue on Pukawa Road until it turns into Kaiuru Avenue. There is a small parking area at the end of Kaiuru Avenue where the walk begins.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Motuoapa Lookout Walk (10 Minutes One Way)
Another one of those walks where the DOC timings should be taken with a grain of salt, the “20-minute” walk to the lookout offers fantastic views over Motuoapa and Lake Taupo.
When starting from Tangitu Street, take the track to the right to reach the lookout. The track to the right takes you the other side of the village.
Location: 9 km (5.5 mi) from Turangi. Take State Highway 1 north for 9 km (5.5 mi) and turn onto Tangitu Street for the start of the walk.
© NZPocketGuide.com11. Oruatua Walk (30-50 Minutes Loop)
Walk through a mix of bush, wetland and lakeside on this quiet and easy-going 2 km loop just outside Turangi. The Oruatua Reserve is usually full of birdlife, giving you plenty to see along the way.
This gentle walk offers an unexpectedly rich experience for its length. As you move through native plant life and wetlands, you’ll be embraced by the sounds of birdsong, creating a peaceful atmosphere that’s quintessentially Turangi.
When lake levels are low, you can complete the full loop; otherwise, there’s a comfortable out-and-back option that still rewards you with shady canopy and glimpses of water.
Location: 13 km (8 miles) from Turangi. Follow State Highway 1 for 13 km (8 miles) and turn onto Heuheu Parade in Tauranga-Taupo. Turn onto Kopua Street and park at the end of the road at the Oruatua Reserve sign.
© NZPocketGuide.com12. Urchin Track – Mt Urchin Summit (3 Hrs 30 Mins Return)
Start your walk through the wild native forest of the Kaimanawa Forest Park on this steep climb up to the Urchin Trig (1392m/4566ft).
Above the bush line, you’ll get outstanding views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, as well as the surrounding Kaimanawa mountain range. It’s a tough climb but it’s worth the view!
Location: 25 km (15.5 mi) from Turangi. Follow State Highway 1 south of Turangi for about 14 km (46 mi) and turn left onto Kaimanawa Road. Continue on Kaimanawa Road, following the DOC signs for the “Urchin Track”. Note that the gravel road gets steep and winding.
© NZPocketGuide.com13. Ketetahi Falls Track (30 Minutes Return)
Don’t let the short length fool you, the Ketetahi Falls Track is a compact dose of bush beauty with a bubbly waterfall payoff.
This easy forest trail begins at the Ketetahi car park, following a peaceful track to a 5-metre cascade tucked into lush beech forest.
It’s perfect for families or anyone who wants a refreshing walk without committing to the full Tongariro Crossing vibe. The well-marked trail packs in steady shade, mossy logs and the gentle hiss of falling water.
Location: Ketetahi Road, Tongariro National Park, North Island. Approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) from Turangi.
© NZPocketGuide.com14. Kaimanawa Forest Loop Walk (20 Minutes Loop)
The Kaimanawa Forest Loop is an easy 1.1 km (0.68 mi) trail that meanders through a lush mix of native forest types, all framed by the hum of birdsong and dappled sunlight.
You’ll glide through regenerating podocarps and beech, with occasional glimpses of the Tongariro River far below. It’s a quiet stretch, perfect if you’re after a peaceful reset without much effort.
Location: Starts from Urchin Campsite, Kaimanawa Forest Park, Turangi, North Island. Approximately 20 km (12 mi) southeast of Turangi town centre.
© Martin Grafetsberger - Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)15. Pillars of Hercules & Suspension Bridge (30 Minutes Return)
For a short but thrilling geological adventure, take the Pillars of Hercules walk. Just a quick drive along Kaimanawa Road from the Urchin Campsite, this 1.5 km (0.9 mi) track takes you through beautiful kamahi forest to a dramatic gorge carved by the Tongariro River.
The highlight? A suspension bridge that adds a splash of excitement as you gaze down at the rushing river below. It’s a perfect 30-minute escape that doesn’t require trekking far.
Best of all, it’s free and open daily, making it an easy addition to your Turangi itinerary.
Location: Kaimanawa Road, Turangi, Waikato, North Island. Approximately 10 km (6.2 mi) from Turangi town centre.
© Martin Grafetsberger - Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)More About Turangi
That’s it for our guide to walks in Turangi; for more information about hiking trails and outdoor activities in the area, check out the following articles:
- 10 Wonderful Walks Around Lake Taupo
- 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Turangi
- 10 Amazing Things to Do in Turangi
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Taupo.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
