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 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
Taupo featuring signage

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

View at the lake Taupo in the North Island in New Zealand

Taupō Central

If you're spending some time in Taupō Central, Taupō Marina and Boat Ramp and Lake Taupō are top sights worth seeing.

Taupō Central
Jetty on Acacia Bay, North Island New Zealand

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
New Zealand travel tourists couple at Champagne pool at Wai-O-Tapu pools Sacred Waters. Tourist attraction in Waiotapu, Rotorua, north island. Panoramic banner, Okataina Volcanic Centre, Taupo.

Nukuhau

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

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

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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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 Taupō Hot Springs and Maori Carvings.

Two Mile Bay
Lakefront Lodge Taupo

Lakefront Lodge Taupo

3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace Taupo
The price is AU$108 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
AU$108
25 Feb - 26 Feb
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! (1,005 reviews)
As long as it’s not too warm, it’s ok. As there’s no AC.

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Lakeland Resort Taupo

Lakeland Resort Taupo

3 out of 5
282 Lake Terrace Taupo
The price is AU$142 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
AU$142
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Great staff, beds and food.

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Lakeland Resort Taupo
Twin Peaks Lakeside Inn

Twin Peaks Lakeside Inn

3.5 out of 5
76-80 Lake Terrace Taupo
The price is AU$214 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
AU$214
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
We had a quick overnight stay as we were travelling south. The room was clean and well appointed. Plenty of hot water and the location close to the Jolly Good Fellows restaurant and bar was perfect for dinner. The staff were very engaging yet gave us a level of privacy.

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Twin Peaks Lakeside Inn
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (367 reviews)
Lovely stay

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Ika Nui Taupo
Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments

Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments

3.5 out of 5
59-61 Kaimanawa Street Taupo Waikato
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (728 reviews)
Clean, comfy bed, excellent facilities, friendly staff. Would definitely stay again.

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (360 reviews)
Good location and amenities

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

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.

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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