Lake Taupō Eastern Shore

The east side of the lake has the quickest views: a lakeside highway, trout streams and long beaches, with Tongariro's volcanoes ahead. Taupō to Tūrangi is about 50 km and 45 minutes without stops. Beyond Tūrangi, SH41 runs west to the hot pools at Tokaanu. A relaxed half-day trip with swim and soak stops.

The stops

1. Start

   Taupō

2. Viewpoint

   Huka Falls

   Waikato River squeezed through a narrow chasm north of Taupō

3. Beach

   Waitahanui

   Stream mouth known for trout fishing

4. Beach

   Hatepe

   Lakeside settlement on the eastern shore

5. Beach

   Motutere Bay

   Bay with a long lake beach and a lakeside campground

6. Town · Overnight

   Tūrangi

   Trout fishing capital and gateway to Tongariro National Park

7. Thermal

   Tokaanu Thermal Pools

   Public hot pools near the lake edge

8. Finish

   Tokaanu

When to go

Year-round; summer for lake swimming, winter for the hot pools

On the road

SH1 is the main route and is busy at holiday times. Taupō to Tūrangi is about 51 km per Britz. For longer trips, the western route runs via SH41 and SH32.