Taupo

Travel Guide
Huka Falls which includes a river or creek and boating as well as a small group of people
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 kilometres) 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 Taupo

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Acacia Bay

Lake views and restaurants are notable features of Acacia Bay. You might consider stopping by Lake Taupo while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Acacia Bay
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Hilltop

While visiting Hilltop, you might make a stop by sights like Taupo Hot Springs and Lake Taupo.

Hilltop
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Wharewaka

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

Wharewaka
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Waipahihi

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

Waipahihi
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Two Mile Bay

While Two Mile Bay may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Taupo Hot Springs and Maori Carvings.

Two Mile Bay
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Nukuhau

While visiting Nukuhau, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Taupo and Waikato River.

Nukuhau
Silver Fern Lodge
Silver Fern Lodge
2.5 out of 5
118 Tamamutu Street, Taupo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM266 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
RM266
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this motel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and an airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (594 reviews)
"Great after hours access"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Silver Fern Lodge
Lakeland Resort Taupo
Lakeland Resort Taupo
3 out of 5
282 Lake Terrace, Taupo
The price is RM420 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
RM420
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"good value for money"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Lakeland Resort Taupo
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace, Taupo
The price is RM280 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
RM280
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (517 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments
Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments
3.5 out of 5
59-61 Kaimanawa Street, Taupo, Waikato
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Taupo. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (617 reviews)
"Easy walk into shopping area and supermarket. The washing machine and dryer were a welcome bonus."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments
The Village Resort
The Village Resort
4 out of 5
82 Lake Terrace, Taupo, Waikato
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (243 reviews)
"Very good resort with well equipped spacious room. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

The Village Resort
Ika Nui Taupo
Ika Nui Taupo
3 out of 5
64 Lake Terrace, Taupo, Waikato
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (206 reviews)
Very roomy and comfortable
"Clean and comfortable! Very roomy. The only downside was that we saw spiders in the room. We did report this and the clerk said she would contact maintenance for spraying."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2024

Ika Nui Taupo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Taupo

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
23
" "5 - Excellent 48.93617021276596%
4 - Good
23
" "4 - Good 48.93617021276596%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 2.127659574468085%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
26 Dec 2019

Not sophisticated. Limited choice of quality restaurants or shops.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
7 Dec 2019

Loved this place.. great scenery and vibe!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Dec 2019

If you only visit one Geothermal Park in this area then it has to be the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. I went to pretty much all of them and this was the place I enjoyed the most.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
27 Oct 2019

Super scenery. Botanical garden worth a visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
13 Aug 2019

Quiet as it was winter.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
14 Apr 2019

Even better to venture into surrounding area . Beautiful walk / scenery / adventure sports