Taupō

Travel Guide

Huka Falls showing a bridge and rapids as well as a large group of people
Huka Falls which includes a river or creek and boating as well as a small group of people
Craters of the Moon which includes mountains and a hot spring as well as a couple
Taupo featuring signage
Taupo Bungy which includes a park

Visit a beautiful lakeside town and venture into its surrounding volcanic countryside to see awesome natural wonders and to enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures. 

Taupo sits in the caldera of a super volcano on Lake Taupo, Australasia’s largest freshwater lake. It is a place where you can explore geothermal landscapes and take part in outdoor activities. Thrill to lake cruises and trout fishing and hike and mountain bike through the volcanic countryside.

Begin exploring the culture, heritage and geological history of the area at the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery. Permanent and changing exhibitions focus on the history of the area and the culture of its peoples.

Many visitors come to Taupo to experience its geothermal attractions. Walk on boardwalks by boiling mud craters and steam vents at the Craters of the Moon. Drive 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) north of Taupo for the Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave at Wairakei. See the magnificent silica terraces and look inside the only geothermal cave in New Zealand.

Witness the power of nature at the Aratiatia Rapids when thousands of gallons of water per second rush through the regulated opening of the dam gates. Watch the awe-inspiring Huka Falls, one of the most photographed natural attractions in New Zealand.  Get up close to the waterfall on a boat cruise or a thrilling jet boat ride that spins close to the plunging water.

Discover the scenic wonder of the Taupo region by hiking or biking along its many trails. A popular mountain bike route is the Great Lake Trail along the shores of Lake Taupo. If you are into fishing, cast your line into the water. This area is known for its trout fishing.

Taupo has all the amenities you would expect of a major town. There is a great range of cafés, bars and restaurants, some of which enjoy beautiful lakeside views.

A stay in Taupo puts North Island’s geothermal and volcanic wonders right on your doorstep. To get here, fly into Auckland, approximately a 3-hour drive away. Alternatively, land in Wellington and drive north for about 4.5 hours. Buses also connect both these places to Taupo.

Where to stay in Taupō

Taupo featuring a lake or waterhole

Taupō Central

While visiting Taupō Central, you might make a stop by sights like Taupō Marina and Boat Ramp and Lake Taupō.

Taupō Central
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Nukuhau

If you're spending some time in Nukuhau, Lake Taupō and Waikato River are top sights worth seeing.

Nukuhau
Some may have seen this in photos before, but no photo does it justice; or shows you the awesomeness quite like when you are standing directly on the side of the boat and within metres of this brilliant carving. 

I took a small boat that served treats, pizza and wine. Although travelling alone I was able to meet people on this trip very easily. I went on the Ernest Kemp Steamboat. Such character and lovely staff.

Acacia Bay

Lake views and restaurants are notable features of Acacia Bay. You might consider a stop by Lake Taupō while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Acacia Bay
Looking out across Lake Taupo at the Central North Island volcanoes, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro. The town of Taupo is very nice, with plenty of cheap hostels, around $25-35 per night

Hilltop

If you're spending some time in Hilltop, Taupō Hot Springs and Lake Taupō are top sights worth seeing.

Hilltop
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Wharewaka

While visiting Wharewaka, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Taupō and The Landing Lake Taupō.

Wharewaka
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Waipahihi

If you're spending some time in Waipahihi, Lake Taupō and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

Waipahihi

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Taupō

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
63
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
31
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

JimandDonna

The walk to Huka Falls was very nice

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Unfortunately we arrived around midnight and left very early to catch our plane in Auckland so we did not have time to explore the area, but we plan on returning in the future.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

What a great jumping off spot for exploring the area!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Taupo looked like a nice town with lots to do; unfortunately, we were there just overnight and could not take advantage of the lake or local hiking and biking. We did go to Spa Park and soaked in the hot spring there, which was enjoyable (and free).

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Taupo felt more relaxed than Rotorua and you could get around by public bus. Huka Falls and thermal Spa Park were only a $3 rt bus fare but walking the trail was also quite lovely.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The people in Taupo were awesomely friendly, nice small lake town with not so many tourists (in Spring). I would love to come back again to experience more of this place.

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