Relax, sit back and take in the countryside from the hut, or get out and about to enjoy everything the Taupo region has to offer.
Below are our personal local recommendations, feel free to ask us for further info or click on their respective links.
Explore nearby Kinloch’s Whangamata Bay (10 minutes away), either for a swim, walk along the beach, picnic or fish n chips or playground for the kids.
TASTE
We recommend booking any of the below, the time is from our Hut to the destination.
Our local favourite is The Kinloch General Store (10 minutes), for all your convenience needs, and takeaways. We recommend their wood fired pizzas which are available during Summer.
Positive Kaibration (25 minutes) a clean food cafe, means healthy delicious food, gluten-free, dairy free, refined sugar free, preservative free, predominantly plant based nutrient dense whole foods.
The Cozy Corner (25 minutes) Taupo’s Hidden Health Cafe, Clean nutritious meals, organic coffee, fresh juice & smoothies.
L’arté Cafe & Gallery (25 minutes) located in Acacia Bay, Voted Lonely Planet‘s No 1 cafe pick for the Central North Island and one of the top 10 places to visit in New Zealand. The café and gallery are both set in a magical, art filled garden, complete with an outside mosaic living room.
The Brantry (30 minutes) This award winning restaurant has built its reputation on top quality New Zealand cuisine that is unique to The Brantry with a sophisticated wine list to create a unique dinning experience.
Embra (30 minutes) A new contemporary restaurant, that we highly recommend! Their ever-changing menu is designed to reflect the seasons. They create beautifully crafted dishes using sustainably sourced ingredients and local where possible.
OUTDOORS
Biking or walking the Great Lake Trails. The Hut is a great place to base from, just a few 100 meters down Kawakawa road is the new Otakatake mountain bike track, which takes you downhill through neighbouring bush, all the way to Kinloch Bay (14km). Alternatively head West down Whangamata road approximately 1km to the start of the Kawakawa Track, taking you down to Kawakawa Bay, a stunning spot, unreachable by road and a destination for the rock climbing crowd. Or if you are feeling fit why not complete the loop which is approx 38km of riding with stunning views!
Whangamata Stream Trail (10 minutes) is a beautiful forest walk and bike track that runs 3 km from the lake right up to Whangamata Road, taking in the historic Kinloch waterwheel. You may even see trout hiding under the banks of this clear flowing spawning stream.
Skiing on Mt Ruapehu their are two ski areas on the mountain, Whakapapa (1 hour & 40 minutes) and Tūroa (2 hours & 20 minutes), with Whakapapa open in summer for sightseeing on the country’s longest gondola: Sky Waka.
GROCERIES
Kinloch Store Open Monday – Sunday 7:30am-7pm
Bin Inn
21 Meats
The Merchant of Taupō
Countdown
Pak n Save
DISCOVER
Tongariro National Park (1 hour & 10 minutes) has everything from extreme and adventure sports, through to beautiful scenery, gentle walks in the nature of a dual World Heritage Site and some of New Zealand’s most interesting history. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a must do, 5 – 8 hr walk Distance: 19.4 km.
Waihora Lagoon in Pureora Forest Park (25 minutes) an easy walk takes you to a small rain-fed lagoon surrounded by tall kahikatea and rimu trees. The boardwalk snakes through the bush to the viewing platform, which provides a tranquil spot to enjoy beautiful reflections and a variety of bird life. Access is via a gravel road that requires a 4wd.
Huka Falls (30 minutes) You’ll hear the Huka Falls well before you see them – it’s the sound of nearly a quarter of a million litres of water per second erupting from a natural gorge and thundering 11m into the Waikato River below. This incredible waterfall is the most-visited natural attraction in New Zealand, offers any walking and jet boating options.
Craters of the Moon (28 minutes) is a geothermal walkway with Lunar Landscapes – Hence its name. Craters of the Moon showcase the natural thermal activity of Taupo including bubbling craters, steam vents and colourful soils. 45+ minutes walk.
Aratiatia Rapids (28 minutes) is one of the most popular natural and free attractions in the North Island. Thousands of litres of rushing water creating a spectacle popular with visitors to Taupo. A unique display of man vs nature. Aratiatia Dam opens every day for around 15 minutes. The water is released from the Aratiatia Dam down through the Aratiatia Rapids.
Soak in the Wairakei Terraces in the evening (25 minutes drive away), beautiful, adults only, silcone pools, set in amongst gorgeous landscaping.
SHOPPING
all located in Taupo town (25 minutes)
MCF Interiors
Little & Mighty
Rustic Stuff, 7 Tohe Cul Kinloch
The Linen Room
The Woolshed
The Taupō Market, Saturdays
Market Central Taupō, Sundays