Taupō Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Taupō
Taupō
Taupō
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

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

Unique features of Acacia Bay include the lake views and restaurants. Make a stop by Lake Taupō or beach near Acacia Bay while you're exploring the area.

Acacia Bay
Hilltop

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
Default Image

Waipahihi

If you're spending some time in Waipahihi, Lake Taupō and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

Waipahihi
Default Image

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 A.C. Baths.

Two Mile Bay
Oasis Beach Motel

Oasis Beach Motel

4.5 out of 5
241 Lake Terrace Taupo
The price is AU$92 per night from 5 May to 6 May
AU$92
5 May - 6 May
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Needs a good spruce up - scuffed wallpaper, needs a lick of paint -the shower is the best bit - always hot and great pressure- enjoyed the swimming pool but spa pool cold - was looking forward to the spa - needs some love and care.

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026

Oasis Beach Motel
Lakefront Lodge Taupo

Lakefront Lodge Taupo

3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace Taupo
The price is AU$81 per night from 12 May to 13 May
AU$81
12 May - 13 May
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! (1,001 reviews)
Very good accomodation

Reviewed on 1 May 2026

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Hilton Lake Taupo

Hilton Lake Taupo

5 out of 5
80-100 Napier Road Taupo
The price is AU$191 per night from 28 May to 29 May
AU$191
28 May - 29 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Felt it was over priced

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026

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 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! (396 reviews)
Great price for an overnight stay.

Reviewed on 18 Apr 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! (444 reviews)
Beautifully appointed apartment with view over the buildings in front of the lake and mountain. Comfy living room seating and plenty of space for 2 couples. Third single room was great as a dressing room. Few minor things needed fixing (bathroom door lock broken so one of our party got trapped in ...

Reviewed on 27 Apr 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! (746 reviews)
I made a last minute booking for one night as the motel I'd originally booked didn't work for me. Given the price was lower than the motel, I was pleasantly surprised at what was on offer. If you are in the UK think Premier Inn with kitchenette with washer and dryer. Perfect!

Reviewed on 1 May 2026

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

Cities near Taupō

Explore a world of travel with Expedia