Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve

Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve is a perfect spot for families and is just a short 10-minute drive from Taupo. There are two walks at Opepe Reserve where you can immerse yourself in nature, regenerating bush and sites of historical interest. The Northern Waking Track is an easy 1.5km track and starts in a clockwise direction and you are immediately surrounded by nature. You can view kahikatea, matai, miro and the stately totara. This loop track will take you through a mature podocarp forest that unusually survived a volcanic eruption in 186AD. The reserve is also a great spot for birdwatching.

Opepe is also known as the place of war between Bay of Plenty Cavalry and local Maori warriors led by Te Kooti. There is a burial site where 9 British soldiers were buried during the surprise attacks and information panels explain the site's history. There are other graves marking settlers who died a few years later. The Southern Walking track is an easy 3km track where you can walk to the saw pit and return in 20 minutes or go ahead and finish the entire loop. You can view monument remains of the old town of Opepe where about 120 people lived. You will notice the remains of a water well, totara site and a bullock watering site.