My all time favorite walk/run is the Waihaha hut trail located 26km south of The Farmers Rest. its a beautiful 20km return trail that follows the Waihaha river and meanders through rocks, heather and native bush. There is places to swim making it the perfect summer trail.

2. Kuratau lost lagoon is located 39km south of The Farmers Rest. Its a very short walk along a creek to the “lagoon” a giant spring that bubbles up from under ground. Swimming is certainly very refreshing. Fun little hidden gem. For more information on how to find the lost lagoon look it up on Lucidkiwi.com.

3. Waihora lagoon is another hidden gem located 18km South of The Farmers Rest and also a short walk. The lagoon is a beautiful mirror pond surrounded by tall rimu and kahikatea trees. The lagoon is shallow and can dry up over summer its definitely not a place to swim.

4. Waipapa loop walk is a short 2.3km loop that takes you through beautiful native podocarp forest. Its quite different to other native bush and looks almost tropical you can hear many native birds.

5. Mt Tauhara is a good walk if you are looking for some vert. It takes 1.5-2hrs ( up and down) and you climb about 450m. You are rewarded with 360 degree views looking down over Taupo town and the lake. The first park is on farm land then the rest is in native bush.

6. Whangamata stream walk in kinloch is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll with points of interest along the way. These include an old water wheel, fairy houses and trout spawing. You can finish with a swim in the beautiful lake Taupo or a giant ice cream from the kinloch store.

7. Paradise- A hot water swimming spot located off Te Kopia rd on the Eastern side of Lake Ohakuri.

Ruth’s (your host) favorite local adventures

Local Walks At The Farmers Rest