Mt Tauhara from Omaio’s patio
The dominant feature in the landscape from Omaio, apart from Lake Taupō, is Mt Tauhara. This is a dormant volcanic dome to the east of Taupō township about 4 kilometres from the lake edge.
There is a 2.6km climb to the top. The track, mostly through bush after initially being in farmland, starts from the end of Mountain Road. This runs along the base of Tauhara to the north from the Taupo-Napier Highway a kilometre or so inland from the roundabout with State Highway 1.
A reasonable level of fitness is required for the climb. Wear good footwear and take a drink. There is a lovely stream beside the track as you approach the summit. The 360 degree views from the top of the lake and the surrounding farmlands and bush are spectacular. In Te Reo Māori, tauhara means alone or standout, and that is a very good description of the location of the mountain.
At 1088m, Tauhara is 3m taller than Snowdon, the highest peak in England or Wales. There is no train to the top and no cafe when you get there, however.