subject: Taupo Sports And Recreation - 5 Great Hikes In The Lake Taupo Region [print this page] The Lake Taupo Region of New Zealand is a great spot for many sports and recreation activities for both locals and visitors to the area. Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand and it is surrounded by mountains, hills, and ranges which offer many different options for hikes and tramps.
This list of five hiking trails covers all the main hiking areas that are in the Lake Taupo Region:
1) Lake Surprise
This hike takes around four or five hours to complete both there and back. It starts on the Ohakune Mountain Road and is part of the Round the Mountain Track which runs around Mt Ruapehu. The Mangaturuturu River runs beside the track for part of the distance. This is a reasonably difficult hike, and can become very cold.
2) Crater Lake
The Crater Lake is at the summit of Mt. Ruapehu, and the best time to make this hike, unless you are an experienced climber with the right equipment, is in the warmer seasons. You can hike the whole way or take a chair lift as far as it goes, if you want a head start on others. The time required will depend on whether you take the chair lift. Allow around six to eight hours to complete this tramp up and down.The crater itself is part of an active volcano which blew about 15 years ago, but this is not likely to occur on your hike. Just joking!
3) Kinloch
Near Kinloch there is a Lake Taupo Bay called Kawakawa which takes around three to five hours return. Kinloch is located west of the Taupo Township. It is a holiday spot with lots of baches, and its own private marina. This hike goes from Kinloch to the inaccessible-by-road Kawakawa Bay. The tramp includes a large ridge climb and then a fall into Kawakawa Bay. There is a lookout at the top of the ridge (bluff).
4) Waihaha Hut
The Waihaha Forest has some of the best native trees in New Zealand. Although the area has had some logging, both clear-fell selective, previously there are still very good stands of virgin native trees and bush remaining.
The tramp takes around three hours each way, so it can be completed in one day. There is also the option of staying overnight at the Hut. This is a well-known and popular tramp which offers views of rivers, trees, and lots of wild life.
5) Ketetahi Hut
The Ketetahi Hut is in the Tongariro National Park. This tramp, like the Waihaha Hut one, can be done in a day or overnight if required. The Ketetahi Springs are also on this trail. They can be reached in about two hours, while the Ketetahi Hut takes around three hours each way. This is a visually exciting trek, and there are some wonderful views of landscapes.
These five hikes are some of the best hikes in the Lake Taupo Region. They can all be completed without the need to spend a night in the bush. It is always important to take plenty of warm clothes because, like in most of New Zealand, the weather and temperatures can change very suddenly. It is always better to carry the extra weight in your pack rather than be cold. Cold and the resulting fatigue can be very serious.
For more free information about the Lake Taupo Region visit Taupo Dot Tel. For even more free information see the Taupo Blog.
