Pukawa Walks & Swimming Beach 

Pukawa is a peaceful native bush shrouded holiday village, reached by turning off from just past the roadside lookout at the top of the Waihi Cliffs (SH41). The area is especially notable for the work of the Pukawa Wildlife Management Trust and the Omori-Kurutau Pest Management Group, in trapping predators and restoring the native bird population. Pukawa beach is fine white sand and s good swimming spot in summer, for access turn right just past the Pukawa Marae.

Pukawa to Omori Track 

Time: 1 hr 20 min (return)
Drive: 15 minutes drive west of Turangi – signposted to the right off SH 41
Begin: Kaiuru Avenue in Pukawa Village

Initially the track follows the lake edge where Bellbird and Tui are often seen before continuing to Omori Reserve, where on the lake edge; there is a picnic area, toilet and small beach. In spring the kowhai trees are a feature and attract prolific numbers of native birds. The trail ends at the Omori Boat Ramp after crossing the Omori Stream, where in winter spawning trout may be seen.

Pukawa Bush Walk

Time: 45 min loop track
Begins: Hauraki Terrace (off Pukawa Road), return using Rereao Lane

The route climbs through Pukawa Bush above the village to a lookout with views over the village and lake. The lush podocarp forest contains large rimu, matai and totara trees. Birdlife is a feature of this area and in particular, the Bellbird and Tui which frequent this area.

Upper Pukawa Walk

Begin: Hauraki Terrace (off Pukawa Road)

This track aims to provide a safe alternative for people walking the Pukawa to Omori loop and avoids having to walk down the main Pukawa Road. Turn onto Rereao Lane and follow the Taupo District Council signs along the water tank road. At the top veer to your left and follow the track through the bush to the top of the Pukawa road and SH41.

Lake Kuratau Powerhouse & Waterfall

Time: 30 minutes return
Begins: 20 minutes easy drive time west from Turangi

Take SH 41 west past Tokaanu and Omori, pausing to enjoy the view from the roadside at the top of the Waihi Cliffs over Lake Taupo and the Tongariro River Delta. After the Pukawa and Omori Village turn offs take the Western Bay Road (SH32) and then after about 1 km turn right into the Whareroa Road along the side of Lake Kuratau. Walk from the car park down the lake outlet to a pleasant grassy area next to the waterfall.

Western Bays

Waihaha Track 

Begins: SH30 Waihaha River carpark

The Waihaha track is on the southern side of the Waihaha River and finishes at the end of Waihaha Bay Rd on the northern side of the river where it joins with the coastal tracks of the Great Lake Trail. These tracks can also be walked and are covered in the mountain biking section of this site.

Te Hapua Bay 

Time: 45 minutes (one way)
Begins: Karangahape Road, off SH32

The trail follows a polled route over farmland before descending through native bush to the extremely beautiful Te Hapua Bay, which is a fantastic place for picnics and swimming in summer.

Whareroa Village Beach & Lakeside Reserve

Begins: Whareroa Reserve on the lakefront, Whareroa Rd, off SH30

To the right as you face Lake Taupo is the Rangitukua Scenic Reserve and a long beach, where in the spring masses of native Tui birds feed on the flowering Kowhai tree. With the towering cliffs behind this makes a good spot for a picnic.