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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Wharewaka

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

Wharewaka
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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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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
Silver Fern Lodge
Silver Fern Lodge
2.5 out of 5
118 Tamamutu Street, Taupo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$99 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$99
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this motel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and an airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (594 reviews)
"Great after hours access"

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2024

Silver Fern Lodge
Lakeland Resort Taupo
Lakeland Resort Taupo
3 out of 5
282 Lake Terrace, Taupo
The price is AU$174 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
AU$174
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
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! (1,008 reviews)
"good value for money"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Lakeland Resort Taupo
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace, Taupo
The price is AU$105 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
AU$105
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
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! (515 reviews)
"Small rooms and no storage space. Nice spa and pool but again very small. We wanted to use the on site bar/restaurant but it was closed the whole time we stayed. Would only stay again if there were no other options. Nice staff."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Lakefront Lodge 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.
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! (618 reviews)
"Nice place with nice facilities"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments
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! (244 reviews)
"Huge amount of space in the unit. Loved the 3 toilets."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

The Village Resort
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (206 reviews)
Very roomy and comfortable
"Clean and comfortable! Very roomy. The only downside was that we saw spiders in the room. We did report this and the clerk said she would contact maintenance for spraying."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2024

Ika Nui 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

Activities

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