Mokai and the Mōkai geothermal system

The Mōkai geothermal system is in the Waikato region, 20 km north of Taupō. The area around Mokai is home to natural features of the system, including warm and hot springs, mud pools, a rare mud geyser and fumaroles. This combination makes geothermal activity a distinctive natural theme: water, mud and fumaroles sit alongside one another as different manifestations. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Mokai, you can consider whether geothermal nature is one of the themes you would like to shape your stay.

Tongariro National Park and World Heritage in the Taupo District

In the wider Taupo District, Tongariro National Park is one of New Zealand’s three World Heritage sites. Its dual World Heritage status recognises significant Māori cultural and spiritual associations. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is located within the park’s dual World Heritage area. This distinction is useful for planning a themed trip: the Crossing is a route within the area, while the recognised cultural and spiritual associations belong to the national park. So, alongside nature, the Taupo District offers a specific cultural focus—a different emphasis from the geothermal features around Mokai.

Trails and different ways to explore

For finding your way along a trail, the Taupo District offers a clear distance: the full Tongariro River Trail loop is 13.2 km long and can be started at the Tūrangi isite. Anglers, dog walkers and mountain bikers share the trail; cyclists must give way to pedestrians. When choosing, you can weigh up two different aspects: the distance of the full loop and its shared use by different groups.

The Great Lake Trails offer a different sequence of landscapes. They pass through lush native forest, by waterfalls and across deep gorges to the waters of Lake Taupō. A boat shuttle connects different sections and offers pick-ups and drop-offs at several scenic bays along the route. If you plan to use the shuttle, check the booking requirements in advance, as they may change. Compared with the full Tongariro River Trail loop, the Great Lake Trails focus on changing scenery and the shuttle connection between sections.

The Great Lake Pathway starts at Taupo Boat Harbour, is mostly flat and offers a family-friendly outdoor experience. This sets it apart from the Great Lake Trails: the Pathway’s defining features are its starting point, flat terrain and family-friendly nature, while the Trails feature forest, waterfalls, gorges and the boat shuttle. This comparison can help you weigh the trail themes described here according to your interests.

Waterfalls and lake in the Taupo District

At Huka Falls in the Taupo District, nearly a quarter of a million litres of water per second plunge 11 metres into the Waikato River through a natural gorge. Walking tracks run on both sides of the falls. The flow of water, gorge and tracks give Huka Falls a distinct focus among the region’s natural features. Lake Taupō is also a prominent geographic landmark in the Taupo District: it is Australasia’s largest freshwater lake.

Discover more destinations: Mangakino, Taupo, Kuratau, Kinloch, Turangi, Iwitahi, Wairakei, Tokaanu

For the wider travel overview: Taupo District.