Taupō Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Huka Falls which includes 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 a hot spring and mountains as well as a couple
Taupō
Taupō

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

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

Taupō Central
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Nukuhau

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

Nukuhau
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Acacia Bay

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

Acacia Bay
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Hilltop

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

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
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace, Taupo
The price is NZ$104 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$104
14 July - 15 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (881 reviews)
"A great place to stay to break trip."

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Beechtree Motel
Beechtree Motel
4.5 out of 5
56 Rifle Range Road, Taupo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$144 per night from 15 July to 16 July
NZ$144
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star family-friendly motel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (839 reviews)
"Recommended!"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Beechtree Motel
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
4.5 out of 5
76 Napier-Taupo Road, SH 5, Taupo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$89 per night from 15 July to 16 July
NZ$89
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury holiday park in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Thanks for our stay. Our room was exactly what we needed. Also close to showers and really quiet"

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
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.
Ika Nui Taupo
Ika Nui Taupo
3 out of 5
64 Lake Terrace, Taupo, Waikato
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (323 reviews)
Good but was expecting better for 2nd visit
"2nd time staying. Would have been better if got the top floor instead of ground for the lake front view. Since was ground floor facing road and people walking by in front of window, net curtains would be nice for privacy while still seeing the lake."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Ika Nui Taupo
The Village Resort
The Village Resort
4 out of 5
82 Lake Terrace, Taupo, Waikato
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (332 reviews)
"The property was lovely, very clean, spacious, warm heaters and electric blankets on every bed! We were very happy with our stay and the owners were super lovely and friendly. Would definitely recommend and will stay again"

Reviewed on 19 Jun. 2025

The Village Resort
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 Taupō. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (703 reviews)
"Facilities and service"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments
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

Activities

Reviews of Taupō

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
872
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
560
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
59
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
7
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Small town with beautiful lake, plenty of things to do regardless if it’s sunny or rainy and lots of beautiful wall art around to find.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I always like to stop at Taupo in my trips to and from kapiti and Auckland.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fantastic to have such a unique and varied tourist area. just. under 2 hours from home

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Family live out of town. Only one night stay. Didn’t see anything of Taupo this time.

5/5 - Excellent

Jim

Love the lake and the rivers that feed it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful area and stunning lake views!!

Cities near Taupō