12 places worth a detour Taupo & Central Plateau

2. Tongariro National Trout Centre

A repository of trout eggs and newly hatched trout the scientific work of the Centre is to ensure there is a safeguard against a sudden massive death in the wild population. While the scientific nature of the Centre is evident the excellent exhibits of Trout fishing in New Zealand, the proximity of the Tongariro River and the pretty flashing trout keeps you watching and waiting for the next acrobatic trout display. You can purchase fish food to encourage ducking and diving. A place where kids will not be bored although you might run out of fish food rather quickly.

3. Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings

Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings are accessible by guided tour, kayaking or sailing boat. The 10 metre carving is a dramatic modern interpretation of the face of paramount chief Ngatoroirangi. His face dominates the view as you get close with his moko and stern face looking out over his Lake. Created by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the 1980’s. The cruise to the rock carving is glorious as you travel across the lake. The carvings are well positioned tucked under the brow of the rock face making the view slowly slide into view.

4. Tokaanu Hot Mineral Baths

The Tokaanu Thermal Pools are family friendly, unpretentious with the bonus of a short walk through the adjacent Tokaanu thermal area with its boiling mud pools, steam vents and wirey vegetation.

5. Tokaanu Jetty

Tokaanu Jetty is a piece of history you can walk along, fish or simply wait for the sunset to photograph the jetty and Lake Taupo. The jetty was part of the transport infrastructure. Before the expansion of Turangi Tokaanu was the major settlement due to its natural thermal pools. Passengers arrived by stage coach from Wairoura and departed by steamers across the lake to Taupo. Today the heritage jetty is restored with its original beams and decking. There is a modern marina nearby the jetty is a hidden gem and do not forget your fishing rod (plus licence).

7. Wairakei steamfields

The Wairakei geothermal field has been under production for more than 50 years. There are massive shiny pipes you ride under, enormous stainless caldrons and a maze of cables and overriding the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station is steam, lots of the stuff, billowing up and around, forming vapour clouds where piping emerges into view and then disappears into the mist. It is memorizing, fascinating and industrial sculpturing on a gigantic scale. There is a well signposted drive to the lookout. It is a great photo location especially in winter with the rapid cooling of hot steam in the frosty air. At the lookout is a plaque describing how the unique industrial complex works.

8. Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon emerged out of the geothermal power plants when underground water levels were lowered. The area is extraordinary for the plants that have colonised the area. Constant steam vents, chemical mineral deposits created hot steamy conditions where vegetation is lightly to get a hot jet of steam every once in a while. The geothermal park is wheelchair friendly. It is not a major geothermal attraction with numerous boiling mud vents or massive spurts of geothermal fountains rather it is a moon-like landscape where you wonder about where the next steam vent will occur as well as a fascinating walk through unusual landscape.

9. Spa Thermal Park

Spa Thermal Park is not really a secret. It is popular with locals, it is free and Otumuheke Stream hot pools area not-so-secret spot that is definitely worth a visit when in Taupo. The stream is a cascade of hot warm water flowing into the Waikato with naturally forming hot pools forming against a backdrop of the Waikato River. It can be a tad crowded so pick early morning or time outside the school holidays. There are changing rooms, toilets and an enterprising coffee kiosk operator. There is a plaque describing the historical significance of the area for local Iwi (Maori). It is very special to be in place where people have immersed themselves in the revitalising natural spa of the Otumuheke stream.

10. Huka Falls walkway, forget the overcrowded car park

The car park had several traffic wardens on duty on our last visit which is seriously offputting as the crowded bridge over the Huka Falls testified. Start your excursion to New Zealand’s most well known waterfalls with an hour’s walk from Taupo. The river views are of clear blue swirling currents together with river grass adding a bright green glow to the water. As you walk closer you start to listen to the memorizing roar of 200,000 litres squeezed through a narrow 3 metre drop. Simply stroll pass the parked campervans, cars and vehicles all vying for space and enjoy the sight of the iconic Falls.

12. Another adrenaline moment and it is free

Any inflatable will do, a surfboard, rubber rings, as long as it floats. As you cross the Taupo control gate bridge park your vehicle in the adjacent car park. Walk down to the river and float down the river on easy rapids. You are going to disembark at the hot pools at the Ōtumuheke Stream or at Hipapatua Reid’s Farm. Lifejackets are recommended and the ride on the Waikato is between 1 ½ hours to 2 hours. If you have several members in your holiday group select a pick up driver as it is a considerable walk back to Taupo. Remember water safety, float in a group and wear a lifejacket. Lastly the Huka Falls on this watery route further downstream.