The region of Waikato covers a large portion of Te Ika a Maui (the North Island) including the coromandel peninsula, Waitomo, much of Taupō and some of Rotorua. It’s the 4th largest region in the country and thus is full of amazing sites to see and incredible walks and hikes. These short walks in Waikato are some of our favourite in the region and shouldn’t be missed! Just look below to get a glimpse of how picturesque this region of Aotearoa really is.
Be sure to check out our Instagram to see more of our favourite short walks!
Lake Rotopounamu
This beautiful lake rests in a crater on the side of Mount Pihanga. There is a slight climb uphill from the parking lot before you can descend to the lake. The track loops around the lake, taking you through lush forest and leading to a few different shores. A 5km loop track makes this a lovely stop to stretch your legs on a road trip or a great place to have a picnic and spend the day on the lake shore.
Tongariro River
The Tongariro river trail is a 15km loop that can be cut down to a much more manageable walk by crossing the river at the first swing bridge you come across. Park off the main road at the car park just before Turangi Bridge Motel. From here, you can cross the road to access the Tongariro River trail. The track stays close to the river’s edge, providing a great view of all the fly-fishing happening in the river.
At the first bridge, we crossed over to the other side of the river to make our way back to the car park. There is a bit of a climb here to get to the lookout high on the cliff next to the river. The climb gives the view shown above. Well worth it! The trail ends by taking you underneath the road and bringing you up on the correct side to reach the car park.
Te Waihou Walkway
Also known as the Blue Springs. This incredibly clear water is mesmerising to look at. The walkway is about 4.5km one way. You walk close to the Waihou River for majority of this walk wondering along boardwalk over the water at some places too. There are plenty of stops to take in the beauty and you can easily turn around when you’ve had enough to make the walk shorter.
We encourage doing the entire track though, as it is stunning throughout. Keep an eye out for the small waterfalls and rapids along the river, as well as the lush forest and the occasional walk through adjoining farmland. The water here is considered a natural taonga or treasure, so please heed the signs asking you not to swim here.
Piripiri Cave
A short but rewarding walk. It’s only 300m to get to this cave in Waitomo. The only way to visit a Waitomo cave without having to do a tour! There are some steps leading down to a boardwalk at the bottom of the cave to take it all. Stop for a moment to listen to water dripping from the cave roof. If you are looking for a longer walk, we recommend taking the short drive to Marokopa Falls only 2 minutes away. For more info on the falls, check out our blog post on Waikato’s must visit waterfalls here.
Taupō Lake Front
When the weather is perfect in Taupō, it’s almost impossible to resist walking along the lakefront. An easily paved path will take you for a decent walk along the lake if you start in town. The views out to the snow-capped mountains are incredible and not to be missed. Stroll along the paved walkway for as long as you like before heading back into town for a little treat at one of the local pubs.
Cathedral Cove
*Note: Due to cyclone Gabriel, the walkway is closed until after summer ’24. Local tour groups are running boat tours to the cove if you still wish to see it.*
A stunning 2.5km walk down to one of Aotearoa’s most famous beaches. We recommend coming in off season so you can park at the start of the walk and enjoy the beach virtually by yourself. There is a bit of an undulating up and down to get here, but it’s well worth it in the end. Along the way you will see side trails to Gemstone and Stingray bay. If it’s warm enough, these are great snorkelling spots, otherwise they are lovely to just look at.
These short walks in Waikato barely scratch the surface of the region!
Why stop here for short walks in Waikato? There are so many incredible walks to do in the region. This barely scratches the surface, but it’s a great place to start! If you are looking for longer hikes, check out our hikes from all over Aotearoa, New Zealand here. In the meantime, remember that these walks all take place in native bush and on Māori land. Waikato-Tainui are the recognised tangata whenua (people of the land) in the Waikato region consisting of 33 hapu (subtribes). Leave no trace and take nothing but photos whilst enjoying this beautiful whenua (land).
Keen for more inspo? Be sure to check out:
- Vanlife in New Zealand: How to Start and What it Costs
- Waterfalls in Waikato That You MUST Visit
- 5 Must Visit Auckland Beaches
