Taupo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Huka Falls which includes a river or creek and boating as well as a small group of people
Set in a geothermal landscape, overlooking New Zealand’s largest lake, it’s only logical that Taupo is a hot item on the North Island’s tourist trail.

Taupo offers superb lake views, relaxing hot springs and lots of things to do. Sailing, kayaking and tramping are popular options. Leading from the lake is the Waikato River, good for jet boating and rafting down the Nga Awa Purua Rapids. Don’t miss the powerful Huka Falls while there. To add to Taupo’s otherworldly attraction, the “Craters of the Moon” walk showcases mud pools and steam vents. Taupo is a true hot spot.

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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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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Wharewaka

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

Wharewaka
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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
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace, Taupo
The price is AU$89 per night from 15 May to 16 May
AU$89
per night
15 May - 16 May
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! (535 reviews)
"restaurant onsite and writ on the lakefront"

Reviewed on 25 Apr. 2024

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Lakeland Resort Taupo
Lakeland Resort Taupo
3 out of 5
282 Lake Terrace, Taupo
The price is AU$154 per night from 28 May to 29 May
AU$154
per night
28 May - 29 May
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Loved that the complimentary milk came in a small bottle not the tiny plastic foil capped individual pots which are never enough."

Reviewed on 29 Apr. 2024

Lakeland Resort Taupo
Oasis Beach Resort
Oasis Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
241 Lake Terrace, Taupo
The price is AU$113 per night from 28 May to 29 May
AU$113
per night
28 May - 29 May
Stay at this 4.5-star beach motel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (969 reviews)
"The heated pool was awesome"

Reviewed on 24 Apr. 2024

Oasis Beach Resort
See all 526 properties in 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.
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (213 reviews)
"Great spot for our 2 night stay. Easy access to all attractions, and walking distance to town. Bit squishy for a family of 5 with only one bedroom, but manageable for 2 nights."

Reviewed on 8 Apr. 2024

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 Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (248 reviews)
Spacious, clean, well equipped, good location
"3 nights in Taupo, convenient location for lakefront and town centre. Spacious and very well equipped. Friendly reception & staff. Very clean, very good shower. Bed slightly uncomfortable; otherwise all good!"

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2024

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 Taupo. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (631 reviews)
"Very good location being no more than 10 minutes walk from Taupo town centre and the lakefront. Nice modern building and being on lakeside 2nd story we had great views of Lake Taupo and the Mountains. Very quiet rooms with virtually no noise from other rooms/guests or road. (Quest was fully booked ..."

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2024

Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments
See all properties in 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

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Spa Thermal Park

5/5(4 reviews)

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

Spa Thermal Park
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Taupo Museum and Art Gallery

4/5(38 reviews)

Browse and purchase fascinating pieces of art and go on an exciting cultural journey at this popular museum and gallery.

Taupo Museum and Art Gallery
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Taupo Hot Springs

4.5/5(133 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
Image for Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

4.5/5(89 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? Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this family-friendly area.

Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Image for Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp

Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp

4.5/5(14 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
Image for A.C. Baths

A.C. Baths

4.5/5(108 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

Activities

Image for Lake Taupo - Maori Rock Carvings Package (Mountain Biking & Kayaking)

Lake Taupo - Maori Rock Carvings Package (Mountain Biking & Kayaking)

AU$363
Per adult
Lake Taupo - Maori Rock Carvings Package (Mountain Biking & Kayaking)
See all activities in Taupo

Reviews of Taupo

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
872
" "5 - Excellent 58.055925432756325%
4 - Good
560
" "4 - Good 37.28362183754993%
3 - Okay
59
" "3 - Okay 3.9280958721704393%
2 - Disappointing
7
" "2 - Disappointing 0.46604527296937415%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 0.2663115845539281%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Jun 2020

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
1 Jun 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
31 May 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
29 May 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Jim
24 May 2020

Love the lake and the rivers that feed it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Mar 2020

Beautiful area and stunning lake views!!

Cities near Taupo

Wairakei featuring mist or fog as well as an individual female

Wairakei