WAIKATO: TAUPO

Cherry Island Reserve is a public parking area providing access to the Cherry Island reserve and cycleway. There is no longer access to the island itself.

Cherry Island was a well known attraction several years ago, with a cafe and a collection of animals, making a great place to bring young children, or to just call in for a coffee and to watch large trout swimming around.

Sadly, it was sold to a private developer, and is no longer accessible to the public. However, the parking area is still there, and it is a stunningly beautiful place, overlookng the Waikato River.

We enjoy stopping there for lunch or a tea break. It is an oasis of calm, well away from all the tourist bustle in Taupo town. 

You can enjoy the scenery, or watch bungy jumping from the cliff just a little further around the river. 

There is also a cycleway to explore if you're travelling with bikes.

Overnight parking is also allowed in self-contained motorhomes and caravans. This would be a really nice, quiet place to stay overnight.