Travel Monkee

Opepe Southern Walking Track

Time: 1 – 1.5 hours, loop track
With a lot to reward the walker this track has a lot of early European history here.

The car park is situated on the southern side of SH5. Taking the track to the right from the car park you have the option of walking to a pitsaw pit and returning (20 minutes return) or continuing around the loop.

Approximately 20 minutes past the pitsaw pit is an historic water trough and totara fence, relics of the old township. As you continue up the track to the site of Opepe township you cross the original Napier Taupo Road. At one time Opepe Township had a hotel, a store and several dwellings (you can still see the remnants of the building there). The remains of water wells can still be seen, at the bottom of the walk, you then continue on the track past some very old Pine Trees.

An Armed Constabulary stockade, occupied from 1869 to 1885, was situated on the western escarpment.

Time: 20 minutes return
This walk is located over in Acacia Bay, and is a steep little climb up through a bush fulled track, the walker will be rewarded with some stunning views of Lake Taupo the walk connects Mapara Road to the end of Brunette Drive, there is a  board-walked track through native planting restoration areas. And from there it is only a short walk to my favorite cafe http://www.larte.co.nz/

This is a delightful trail, which you should do next time you visit Lake Taupo, this skirts along the shore line of Acacia Bay it starts about 1 km past Te Kopua Street, heading towards Acacia Bay. The track leads downhill and then to the lake edge through native bush and opens out at Little Acacia Bay. This is a very pleasant walk first thing in the morning as the sun hits the western shores.

From there you can wander past the small boat ramps and marvel at the peacefulness of the location. there is also some picnic tables along the route, this is a great walk if you want just a few minutes peace and quiet

Time: 4 hours return
Travel north from Taupo on SH 1 over the Waikato River. At the top of the hill turn left into Poihipi Road and follow signs to Kinloch (24 km). Go past the boat marina to a parking area by the beach in Nisbett Terrace.

The track to Kawakawa Bay begins at the western end of the beach to the right of the parking area. The track entrance is signposted.

Glorious views feature as the track climbs from Whangamata Bay and sidles along the top of a broad cliff. The bush is dominated by rewarewa but look out for the giant matai too. Once you reach the rocky lookout the track drops down to Kawakawa Bay.

Time: Varies depending on the route taken.

Pleasant walk to take from the Taupo town centre to Acacia Bay

Follow SH 1 north across the Control Gates, turn left onto Norman Smith Street, then left into Acacia Bay Road. Turn left into Te Kopua Street and park at the end of the cul-de-sac.

The walk will take you through patches of native bush to the lake shore then up to the reserve again. Veer right and wander through native bush until the track climbs steeply to Acacia Bay Road. The walk follows the lakeshore and is marked with Scenic Walk signs. The beach walk is also accessible from other points along Acacia Bay Road and can be linked with Little Acacia Bay Walk.

View from the top of Control gate