Recent stories
We are pleased to bring you the latest from around the Taupō & Tūrangi communities. Reporting local, supporting local.
If you have news to share contact news@tauponews.co.nz

Still a ‘great’ overnighter
The Tongariro Northern Circuit as a multi-day Great Walk loop is out of action over the 2025-26 season to make way for construction of a new Oturere Hut.

Taupō’s Waikato River walks
Another blue-sky Monday. How fortunate we were especially with the huge downpour on Sunday night and meteorological winter only weeks away.

Cycle of discovery
A pair of Taupō women could best be described as active relaxers when they head overseas on holiday.

How to drive safely in winter
Taupō Motorsport Park’s Winter Driving Experience instructor Andrew Waite has all the tips when it comes to winter driving.
Exploring ‘otherworldly’ Tokaanu
Rāhina dawned, chilly, crisp and clear.

Family walks length of NZ
A Taupō family of six has walked the length of the country along the Te Araroa trail, homeschooling all the way, having never done an overnight hike before.

Ski field boss hopes for snowball effect
Whakapapa Holdings Ltd has plans to “regrow” the popularity of snow sports after finally obtaining a concession to operate the ski field on Mt Ruapehu.

Taupō lodge amongst ‘best of the best’
Whakaipo Lodge has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2025.

Piglet flies under radar, landing delayed
Most people are familiar with the dangers birds pose to aircraft but in rural airports like Taupō, ground-based wildlife can also be problematic.
Fairytale landscape to explore
Despite dire forecasts of rain an optimistic crowd of walkers set off for the Ohaaki Wetlands.

Whakapapa ski field’s future decided
The Department of Conservation’s Director-General, Penny Nelson, has granted Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) a 10-year concession to operate Whakapapa ski field.
‘Mirror perfect’ Lake Okataina
This Rāhina we walked a medley of short, easy trails in the Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve.

River explorer does it again
He may bear the name of a famous explorer, but Peter Cook (55) is fairly laid back about his own expeditions.

Highway reopening delayed by another week
The section of State Highway 1 between Ātiamuri and Wairakei will remain closed until April 9.

Aussies wake up to a Taupō Sunrise
Taupō got a boost to its profile this week, appearing on top-rating Australian breakfast show Sunrise on Wednesday morning.
Symmetry across the lake
A pea soup fog had us creeping along Broadlands Road at snail’s pace before we broke free of the gloom on the Rotorua side of Rainbow Mountain.

The toil and trouble of Ōpepe Reserve
Today’s medley of walks may have been short on distance but certainly not short on variety, history, information or fun.

Serious crash on SH5 Rangitaiki
Emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash on SH5 at Rangitaiki.

One road opens and another closes
No sooner has one road opened, than another one closes.

Working hard at a cruisy job
Taupō travel consultant Melissa Duder couldn’t have picked a worse time to start her new career – just before a global pandemic – but it has all paid off with a major award in Sydney on the weekend.
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