About | Great Lake Walkway (Lion’s Walk)
10km (return the way you came). 1 – 2 hours. Grade 1.
The Great Lake Walkway is a popular track and a great way to see Lake Taupo while stopping off along the way to hot water beaches, playgrounds and picnic spots. It’s also a great way to get to know the area!
The trail is nice and flat so great for the whole family. It’s 10km and takes about 1-2 hours but do how much or how little you want, you’ll need to return the way you came. Along the track, you’ll be delighted to see Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe standing tall in the distance and will be covered with snow during the winter.
You also be interested to hear that along this track you may find some natural volcanic hot water spots along the way (Hot Water Beach, Taharepa Baths, etc). Dig your feet into the sand or place them into one of the hot pools and feel your feet warm up.
Have a break: there are some fantastic grassy spots to lay down a picnic, or sit and relax at one of the picnic tables, all with great views of the lake. There are plenty of ducks and swans on the lake. Grab an ice cream or coffee by the main waterfront, go for a swim at one of the bays or stop to photograph this great family moment. A children’s playground and coin-operated BBQ’s are at Wharewaka Point.
Do it your way, bring out the running shoes, bikes, scooters, rollerblades, skateboard and have a blast! When you’ve come to 5 Mile Bay, you’re done! Return the way you came!
Toilets are at every bay.
There are lots of nice cafe’s and restaurants by the lakefront in town, enjoy something along the way or at the end/start of your walk/ride.
Tip: In the summer months, this track can get busy! Get out early or late to try to avoid the craziness – and also beat the heat of the day.
Dogs are allowed.
Nearby
Taupo Swimming Beach – Great Lake Pathway passes this along the way.
Spa Thermal Park (Otumuheke Stream)
Location
This track starts at Taupo’s Boat Marina where it’ll most probably be busy with boats coming and going. There’s lots of parking here. Or find your own starting point along the lake.
Photos
We came to Taupo just as summer was ending, and it gave us one last fantastic weekend of it. Beautiful blue skies, we knew we wanted to check out the Great Lake Walkway so chose a time in the late afternoon when it had cooled down a bit and the rush of people enjoying the trail had mostly gone home. It was the perfect time, the light was nice and the air cool.
A photo with the #LoveTaupo sign is a must – but you might need to wait in line during the busy season. Coming when everyone had gone home, we got to enjoy it by ourselves.
Find a spot along the way to enjoy a swim in crystal clear water – just beautiful.
Bring the bikes or scooters or go for an evening stroll – a great way to end the day and wind down the kids.
