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 featuring a lake or waterhole

Taupō Central

If you're spending some time in Taupō Central, Lake Taupō and Waikato River 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$93 per night from 24 July to 25 July
AU$93
24 July - 25 July
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. ...
7.6/10 Good! (882 reviews)
"A bit of noise from guests upstairs walking around and stomping, but otherwise good."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Beechtree Motel
Beechtree Motel
4.5 out of 5
56 Rifle Range Road, Taupo
The price is AU$132 per night from 13 July to 14 July
AU$132
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star family-friendly motel in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (842 reviews)
"Was pleasantly surprised as had fairly low expectations here. Had booked based on location for roadtrip...far exceeded all expectations. Effective heating and soft towels made huge impact."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Beechtree Motel
Oasis Beach Motel
Oasis Beach Motel
4.5 out of 5
241 Lake Terrace, Taupo
The price is AU$104 per night from 21 July to 22 July
AU$104
21 July - 22 July
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Lovely heated pool."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Oasis Beach Motel
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! (323 reviews)
Good but was expecting better for 2nd visit
"2nd time staying. Would have been better if got the top floor instead of ground for the lake front view. Since was ground floor facing road and people walking by in front of window, net curtains would be nice for privacy while still seeing the lake."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Ika Nui Taupo
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! (703 reviews)
"Facilities and service"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

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 Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (333 reviews)
"One of the best resort stays we’ve had. Brilliant. Thank you"

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

The Village Resort
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 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