Taupo

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

Where to stay in Taupo

Taupo featuring a lake or waterhole

Taupō Central

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

Taupō Central
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 Taupo while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Acacia Bay
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Nukuhau

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

Nukuhau
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, Taupo Hot Springs and Lake Taupo are top sights worth seeing.

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
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace, Taupo
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
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Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
4.5 out of 5
76 Napier-Taupo Road, SH 5, Taupo
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury holiday park in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
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Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
Lakeland Resort Taupo
Lakeland Resort Taupo
3 out of 5
282 Lake Terrace, Taupo
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 helpful staff ...
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Lakeland Resort Taupo
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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.
Shinkou House UE - Newly Built Secure and Hypoallergenic
Shinkou House UE - Newly Built Secure and Hypoallergenic
3 out of 5
64 Lake Terrace, Taupo, Waikato
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Shinkou House UE - Newly Built Secure and Hypoallergenic
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 helpful staff ...
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 in our ...
The Village Resort
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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

People gather at a hot spot in the Waikato river. Because of the geothermal activity in this area, this area of the lake is like a hot tub. #waikatoriver #geothermal #nature #newzealand #taupo #hotspot

Spa Thermal Park

4/5(1 review)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Spa Thermal Park during your travels in Taupo.

Spa Thermal Park
Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery showing art and indigenous culture

Taupo Museum and Art Gallery

4.5/5(3 reviews)

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Taupo Museum and Art Gallery during your trip to Taupo. Discover the area's mountain views and spas.

Taupo Museum and Art Gallery

Taupo Hot Springs

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Enjoy an outing to Taupo Hot Springs during your stay in Taupo. Discover the mountain views and spas in this relaxing area.

Taupo Hot Springs

Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Taupo with a trip to Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in the area.

Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp

A.C. Baths

4.5/5(6 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Taupo with a trip to A.C. Baths. Discover the mountain views and spas in this relaxing area.

A.C. Baths

Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is just one of the places to see in Taupo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Things to do

Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise

Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise

$29
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise
From Taupo: Shuttle Transfer for Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Shuttle Transfers

$35
per adult
Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Shuttle Transfers
Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise

Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise

$34
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise
Taupo: Waikato River Jetboating Adventure

Taupo: Waikato River Jetboating Adventure

$84
per adult
Taupo: Waikato River Jetboating Adventure
Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures -Tiua

Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures -Tiua

$40
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures -Tiua
Lake Taupo: Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Boat Cruise

Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Māori Rock Carvings Cruise

$34
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Māori Rock Carvings Cruise
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Reviews of Taupo

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.

Cities near Taupo

Wairakei which includes mist or fog as well as an individual femail

Wairakei

Huka Falls which includes rapids

Rotokawa