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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now

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
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
Default Image

Wharewaka

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

Wharewaka
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
Default Image

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$84 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
AU$84
25 Mar - 26 Mar
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! (1,008 reviews)
Very handy with lake across the road and main shopping centre is a 10 minute walk.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Oasis Beach Motel

Oasis Beach Motel

4.5 out of 5
241 Lake Terrace Taupo
The price is AU$93 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$93
1 Apr - 2 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach motel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
Staff were terrible, room was so noisy from the pool lines running under the room. Sounded like bubbling pipes. Called reception and after some convincing they changed our room, which wasn’t much better. They said we’d have to wait for the manager to bring us some keys for the room. That never happend, ...

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Oasis Beach Motel
Lakeland Resort Taupo

Lakeland Resort Taupo

3 out of 5
282 Lake Terrace Taupo
The price is AU$166 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$166
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (1,000 reviews)
I enjoyed my stay, coming here to participate in the Ironman event. I found the staff to be very friendly and professional, particularly Mable and Richard. Mable always greeted me by name. The room was clean and spacious. Great facilities, tennis courts and a fabulous pool. I dined twice at the hotel ...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Lakeland Resort Taupo
See all 666 properties in Taupō
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! (381 reviews)
Stayed 4 nights with family of 6 adult couples. The unit is advertised as 3 bedrooms. But the third bedroom is only suitable for a single bed. Good amenities and well presented throughout. Good lakefront location and handy to shops and eateries. Will recommend to travelers with large family.

Reviewed on 5 Mar 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 private hot tubs. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (442 reviews)
The view of lake Taupo was beautiful. The hot tub was a pleasure. The kitchen was spectacular and a pleasure to cook in. The apartment complex is somewhat of a distance to the stores but with a car not a problem. We stayed in a 2 bedroom Apartment with washer and dryer within the accommodation that ...

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Sacred Waters
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! (738 reviews)
3rd stay in a Quest serviced appartment. Not as good as previous. A bit tired and as clean and tidy as previous quest stays. A bit dissappointed.

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments
See all properties in Taupō
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

Geothermal Landscape with hot boiling mud and sulphur springs due to volcanic activity in Wai-O-Tapu, Thermal Wonderland New Zealand

Taupō Hot Springs

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

Taupō Hot Springs
rotorua lake

Spa Thermal Park

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

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

Taupō Museum and Art Gallery

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

Taupō Museum and Art Gallery

Taupō Marina and Boat Ramp

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

Taupō Marina and Boat Ramp

Wairakei Geothermal Power Station

Explore the campus of Wairakei Geothermal Power Station during your stay in Taupō. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Wairakei Geothermal Power Station

A.C. Baths

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

A.C. Baths

Activities

Huka Falls by Jet Boat

Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

AU$129
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo
Picture 1 for Activity Taupō: Lake Taupo Maori Rock Carving 2.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

Taupō: Sail Barbary Eco Sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings

AU$50
per adult
Taupō: Sail Barbary Eco Sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings
Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour

Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour

AU$114
per adult
Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour
The plummeting depths of crystal clear waters make it easy to get to the base of the waterfalls.

Western Bays Sightseeing Tour from Kinloch Lake Taupo

AU$114
per adult
Western Bays Sightseeing Tour from Kinloch Lake Taupo
Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures -Tiua

Luxury Sailing - Māori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures

AU$58
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Luxury Sailing - Māori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures
Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise

Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise

AU$50
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise
See all activities in Taupō

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

Wairakei featuring mist or fog as well as an individual female

Wairakei

Explore a world of travel with Expedia