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

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 Taupō

Taupo showing a lake or waterhole

Taupō Central

If you're spending some time in Taupō Central, Lake Taupō and Taupō Museum and Art Gallery 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 AU$94 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$94
28 Sept - 29 Sept
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. ...
7.4/10 Good! (926 reviews)
"Lovely staff and well oresented.Great food."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Twin Peaks Lakeside Inn

Twin Peaks Lakeside Inn

3.5 out of 5
76-80 Lake Terrace, Taupo
The price is AU$118 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
AU$118
8 Oct - 9 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Staff very friendly, use of washer / dryer was really helpful."

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Twin Peaks Lakeside Inn
Hilton Lake Taupo

Hilton Lake Taupo

5 out of 5
80-100 Napier Road, Taupo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$219 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
AU$219
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Love the pool, spa and gym and the rooms are very comfortable"

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

Hilton Lake 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 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! (333 reviews)
"The apartment was very well equipped with everything a family may require and the kitchen had microwave, oven , dishwasher and lots of kitchen utensils. Staff were friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 17 Sept 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! (347 reviews)
"Huge unit, extremely quiet, close to water and a short walk to the shops and EV chargers."

Reviewed on 9 Sept 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! (710 reviews)
"Room was provided with ample facilities. Clean, warm and comfortable. The lake view from the room was beautiful."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 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

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