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 Waikato River are top sights worth seeing.

Taupō Central
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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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Nukuhau

While visiting Nukuhau, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Taupō and Waikato River.

Nukuhau
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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$92 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
AU$92
21 Dec - 22 Dec
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! (974 reviews)
Great staff, nice and clean and lake across road for a swim, great views.

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Hilton Lake Taupo

Hilton Lake Taupo

5 out of 5
80-100 Napier Road Taupo
The price is AU$273 per night from 18 Dec to 19 Dec
AU$273
18 Dec - 19 Dec
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! (1,005 reviews)
yes very good

Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025

Hilton Lake Taupo
Beechtree Motel

Beechtree Motel

4.5 out of 5
56 Rifle Range Road Taupo
The price is AU$142 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
AU$142
21 Dec - 22 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly motel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (904 reviews)
Clean quiet room.Good shower,within walking distance to good restaurants and amenities. Didn’t break the bank. Will use again.

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025

Beechtree 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 aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Taupō ...
9/10 Wonderful! (347 reviews)
Clean rooms, helpful staff and great location.

Reviewed on 1 Dec 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 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! (716 reviews)
Friendly staff. Very well equipped

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025

Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments
The Village Resort

The Village Resort

4 out of 5
82 Lake Terrace Taupo Waikato
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Taupō. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and free bicycles on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (357 reviews)
Great room,clean ,very large and helpful staff.

Reviewed on 18 Nov 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

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