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
Taupo featuring signage
Taupo Bungy which includes a park

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, Lake Taupō and Taupō Museum and Art Gallery 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
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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 Spa Thermal Park.

Two Mile 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
Lakefront Lodge Taupo

Lakefront Lodge Taupo

3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace Taupo
The price is AU$85 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
AU$85
23 Apr - 24 Apr
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! (1,002 reviews)
Lovely staff clean room but thin floors and walls

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Oasis Beach Motel

Oasis Beach Motel

4.5 out of 5
241 Lake Terrace Taupo
The price is AU$98 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$98
16 Apr - 17 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! (1,003 reviews)
What a fab view. Unlike most others in Taupo, THIS motel is on the lakefront, not across the road. We opted for a lake view unit, and it was wothwhile. And to top it all off, it is basically part of the Millenium Hotel next door, so we could have ordered room service and used the gym! A shame we ...

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

Oasis Beach Motel
Lakeland Resort Taupo

Lakeland Resort Taupo

3 out of 5
282 Lake Terrace Taupo
The price is AU$141 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$141
1 Apr - 2 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)
Great location, room clean.

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

Lakeland Resort Taupo
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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! (384 reviews)
Stayed for 2 nights, no linen change after first night, loved the rooms though.

Reviewed on 23 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

Cities near Taupō

Wairakei featuring mist or fog as well as an individual female

Wairakei

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