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$91 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
AU$91
10 Sept - 11 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. ...
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Oasis Beach Motel

Oasis Beach Motel

4.5 out of 5
241 Lake Terrace, Taupo
The price is AU$106 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
AU$106
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star beach motel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (997 reviews)
"Loved the heated pool in winter! Only negative there wasn't enough parking and we had to park elsewhere when we got there as everyone was going out for dinner or the bar next door so when we checked in at 5pm there was no parking for us. We did move our car back later on that evening when space freed ..."

Reviewed on 24 Aug. 2025

Oasis Beach Motel
Twin Peaks Lakeside Inn

Twin Peaks Lakeside Inn

3.5 out of 5
76-80 Lake Terrace, Taupo
The price is AU$135 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
AU$135
5 Sept - 6 Sept
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. ...
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 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! (330 reviews)
Place to relax
"Great place place. Easy to walk to city harbour and lake just on the other side of the road. I love making my own meals and kitchen had everything you need"

Reviewed on 18 Aug. 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 ...
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! (709 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

Cities near Taupō