Don’t let anyone tell you there is nothing to do between Taupō and Napier. Covering a large section of the Thermal Explorer Highway this is a great drive through some stunning countryside. If you are travelling in either direction and have time, then plan to make a few stops along the way. An amazing location for rafting, hunting, fishing, and hiking there are also plenty of places to stay and experience some remarkable outdoors.
RANGITAIKI
36km from Taupō and 105km from Napier
The first sign of civilisation after leaving Taupō is Rangitaiki. The Rangitaiki Lodge offers accommodation and food. You will also find an electric vehicle (EV) charging station here, one of two on this highway. A little further along you will find the Rangitaiki Tavern which is a popular truck stop. Both places have mixed reviews but if you are looking for the best food stop then carry on a little further to the Tarawera Cafe.
WAIPUNGA FALLS
53km from Taupō and 88km from Napier
A little further on from Rangitaiki is a rest stop where you can take in the views of the sensational Waipunga Falls. There are no signposts highlighting these falls so it is best to check on Google Maps for its location. However, there is a sign indicating the rest stop. There are no walking tracks to the falls from here, it is simply a place to stop and observe from afar.
TARAWERA CAFE
64km from Taupō and 77km from Napier
The Tarawera Cafe is the ‘must do’ rest stop. You will find public toilets and outdoor picnic tables with fantastic views looking out across the ranges. The cafe makes great coffee and has a delicious range of snacks and meals on offer. You can also enjoy browsing the walls covered in the most interesting local history. It is like a mini museum. This use to be a popular stop for hot springs but unfortunately, they no longer exist.
PUNGAHURU FALLS
87km from Taupō and 57km from Napier
Pungahuru Falls is not as spectacular as Waipunga Falls but its tranquil setting is something special. The falls are nestled in the hillside right across the Mohaka River at the road end. A short detour down McVicar Road is required and no problem for the average vehicle on the gravel. This is a great spot for a picnic and a swim on a hot summers day. Near here you will also find Raft Fish NZ which offers rafting, trout fishing, and hunting experiences. At the start of McVicar Road is where you will find the second EV station on this highway.
MOUNTAIN VALLEY
90km from Taupō and 60km from Napier
Mountain Valley is a holiday park and outdoor activity center. There are a number of fun activities to be had including horse trekking, archery, clay bird shooting, paintball, rafting, fishing, swimming and mountain biking. You will find a variety of accommodation options from chalets to tent sites that can accommodate very large groups. However, you don’t need to be staying to book an activity here but why would you not with all there is on offer!
TIME OUT AT TITIOKURA & MOHAKA RAFTING
94km from Taupō and 47km from Napier
Time Out at Titiokura is a home away from home in an amazing country setting. They offer self-catering accommodation and connections to all the outdoor activities in the area. The perfect retreat to escape and relax any time of the year with cabins, a chalet and house (by special arrangement). With amazing views from the front lawn to glow worms in the backyard gully a stay here is a real treat!
Mohaka Rafting offers a number of amazing rafting trips with one day to multi-day options. You can enjoy a grade two river experience to an exhilarating grade four/five adventure.
TE POHUE GOLF COURSE
100km from Taupō and 42km from Napier
This is a very special little golf course that is very much cherished by its community. Open to the public, anyone is welcome to stop and enjoy a round or two on the nine-hole course. It is $10 for a round or $20 if you want to play a full 18 hole game (around the course twice). You can pay with cash in an honesty box at the entrance.
TRELINNOE PARK
107km from Taupō and 45km from Napier
Trelinnoe Park is truly an exceptional find! Tucked away in its own little piece of paradise, these gorgeous gardens are less than ten minutes from the main highway. The park includes a selection of large evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs from a variety of native and non-native plant species. The gardens are ever changing with the seasons and such a pleasure to wander through any time of the year. There is a cafe open periodically from October to May and backpacker type accommodation for anyone wanting to stay.
ART DECO VALLEY CAFE
121km from Taupō and 20km from Napier
The Art Deco Valley Cafe is the perfect brunch or afternoon tea stop depending on whether you are just leaving Napier or just arriving. The spacious outdoor setting is very inviting on a nice day and no doubt a few are tempted by the large tree swing. On a cooler day, you won’t have a problem finding a cosy spot indoors to enjoy a great coffee, snack or meal. The staff here are extremely hospitable and if you are lucky you will be greeted by some small four-legged friends.
LINDEN ESTATE WINERY & VALLEY D’VINE RESTAURANT
124km from Taupō and 17km from Napier
The Hawkes Bay is one of New Zealand’s most popular wine regions and Linden Estate is the first wine stop before arriving in Napier. With a cellar door on site, a wine tasting is highly recommended. The vineyard grows a variety of grapes in small blocks making it more of a boutique style winery. From award-winning Chardonnay to Gewürztraminer and Malbec you find something to suit your tastebuds. The restaurant is open from midday to 9pm on Friday and Saturday and for lunch on Sundays. You will find a lovely indoor and outdoor setting overlooking the Esk Valley.
ADVICE FOR TRAVELLING BETWEEN TAUPŌ AND NAPIER
TRAVEL TIME AND DISTANCE – The travel time between Taupō and Napier is estimated at just under two hours without stopping. Approximately 140km in total.
FUEL AND CHARGING STATIONS – There are no fuel stops between Taupō and Napier so make sure you have enough to get you to the other end. However, there are two Electric Vehicle charging stations. One outside the Rangitaiki Lodge and one at the beginning of McVicar Road.
ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS – This is usually an easy drive with a lot of straight roads and not too many windy sections. However, if the weather is poor, especially through the winter season, it pays to check the road conditions before you set off. The road is occasionally closed due to flooding, slips, and snow. You can visit the New Zealand Transport Agency website for up to date information on road closures and conditions.
PHONE COVERAGE – The coverage on this highway is limited in places and you may not get any service in some areas. In an emergency, you should have no problem getting help from a passing car or a nearby property if someone home.
Other articles that may interest you:
TONGARIRO NORTHERN CIRCUIT,
TE PUIA GEOTHERMAL & MĀORI ARTS, ROTORUA,
THE KARANGAHAKE GORGE, COROMANDEL
ABOUT THE WRITER – Karllie is a solo budget traveller with a passion for inspiring others to explore her homeland of Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Having travelled to many places around the world she still believes there is nowhere more amazing and beautiful as home. In her 40s, Karllie has a background in education and enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking. Find out more about Karllie…
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