Taupō, Waikato · Hard · 3 days

Taupō & the Great Lake Trail

New dog-welcome trails around the Great Lake

50.2 km walking163 km driving3 days10 stops

Best for Off-lead adventurers & water dogs.

Dogs on this trip. The Great Lake Trail sections (Headland Loop/W2K and Waihāhā) now welcome dogs and give them room to properly run, but they are shared cycle trails, so keep recall sharp and step aside for mountain bikers. Dogs are welcome at Huka Falls too, yet the Waikato's current is lethal, so keep them well back from the water, and time Aratiatia for the dam-gate release when the riverbed floods within minutes. Dogs are welcome in the lakefront reserves in town (some summer swim beaches restrict them), and before any bush track check DOC/TBfree signs for 1080 and pindone poison drops, plus LAWA for summer toxic-algae (cyanobacteria) warnings before letting them swim or drink.

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Day 1

Huka Falls & Lakefront

1
Huka Falls Loop
Dogs allowed0.8 km · Easy · about 13 min
Dogs are welcome now, but the Waikato's power is lethal, keep your dog well back from the edge.
~7 km drive
2
Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk
Dogs allowed1.6 km · Moderate · 0.5–1 hr
Time it for the dam-gate release; keep dogs off the riverbed rocks before the flood.
~12 km drive
3
Taupo to Five Mile Bay
Dogs allowed8.7 km · Moderate · 2–2.5 hr
Easy lakefront amble to a hot-water beach where dogs can paddle; welcome right through the town reserves.
~4 km drive
4
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
Dogs by arrangement, call ahead
Hot-pool spa resort; dogs by arrangement, soak off the trail while they rest.
~20 km drive to Day 2

Day 2

Kinloch & the Great Lake

1
Great Lake Trail: Headland Loop (W2K)
Dogs allowed10.0 km · Hard · 2h 19m
Flagship new DOC section that now takes dogs, with room to run, but yield to mountain bikers.
~19 km drive
2
Two Mile Bay Sailing Club
Dogs welcome inside
Dogs-inside lakefront bar, a warm lunch stop with the lake at your feet.
~10 km drive
3
Waitahanui River Walk
Dogs allowed3.9 km · Easy · 0.5–1 hr
Short river-to-lake stroll; famous trout stream, so keep dogs out of anglers' pools.
~20 km drive
4
Motutere Bay Holiday Park
Dogs by arrangement, call ahead
Lakefront holiday park on the quiet eastern bays; dogs welcome by arrangement.
~21 km drive to Day 3

Day 3

Tūrangi & Western Bays

1
Tongariro River Trail
Dogs allowed14.0 km · Moderate · 3.5–4 hr
Riverside path along a world-famous trout river; turn back whenever your dog's had enough.
2
Great Lake Trail: Waihāhā Section
Dogs allowed11.2 km · Hard · 2h 36m
Remote new DOC section down to wild Waihāhā Bay, room to run, no crowds, carry water.

Banks’ tip. Aratiatia's dam gates open on a set schedule (typically 10am, noon and 2pm, plus 4pm in summer), arrive 15 minutes early and keep your dog close to watch the empty gorge fill.

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