Taupō Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A bridge over a fast-flowing river surrounded by lush greenery.
A blue raft with passengers on a river.
A misty landscape with a mountain in the background and a path leading through a forest.
A building with a sign reading "Hukafalls Jet - The Most Thrilling by Nature".
A forested area with a dirt path and a wooden fence.

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.

Our guide on where to stay in Taupō

Find the best Taupō areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Taupō
Learn more about Taupō

Taupō Central

If you're spending some time in Taupō Central, Lake Taupō and Taupō Museum and Art Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

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.

Richmond Heights

While Richmond Heights may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Taupō Hot Springs and A.C. Baths.

Hilltop

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

Wharewaka

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

Oasis Beach Motel

Oasis Beach Motel

4.5 out of 5
241 Lake Terrace Taupo
The price is AU$95 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$95
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach motel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,002 reviews)
"There is no heating system in the 2 small beds room which we not been able to use it Bcz it’s very cold Even in the main bedroom there is a oil heater which is not very sufficient I must say dont just book for the morning outside view the same mistake we did food flies and other flies were also there ..."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2026

Oasis Beach Motel
Lakefront Lodge Taupo

Lakefront Lodge Taupo

3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace Taupo
The price is AU$71 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
AU$71
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Second time staying here, Staff were lovely and helpful even offered to give us a different room down stairs, We declined, then they offered to take our bags up stairs for us. Things we thought could be improved. Room had a shower over the bath, My husband has had two hip replacements and couldn't ..."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2026

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Beechtree Motel

Beechtree Motel

4.5 out of 5
56 Rifle Range Road Taupo
The price is AU$126 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
AU$126
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly motel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"The hotel is not new but the room was very clean, with good sheets and towels. It is a good option for the price."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2026

Beechtree Motel
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 aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Taupō ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (442 reviews)
"access to lake and town was so easy"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2026

Ika Nui Taupo
Sacred Waters

Sacred Waters

5 out of 5
221-225 Lake Terrace Taupo Waikato
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (466 reviews)
"Wonderful stay! Can’t wait to come back"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2026

Sacred Waters
The Village Resort

The Village Resort

4 out of 5
82 Lake Terrace Taupo Waikato
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and free bicycles on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
The Village 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.

Stay near popular Taupō attractions

Activities

Cities near Taupō

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