Taupo, New Zealand: travel guide
Lakeside town in a volcanic caldera, close to Tongariro
A lakeside resort town on Australasia's largest lake, in a super-volcanic caldera. Base for Huka Falls, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, geothermal parks and trout fishing.
About Taupo
Taupo stands on the northern shore of Lake Taupo, which fills a vast volcanic caldera in the middle of the North Island. Mountains, including Tongariro and Ruapehu, are visible on a clear day across the water.
Things to do in Taupo include walking to Huka Falls, visiting geothermal parks, boating on the lake and fishing for trout. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a famous day walk across volcanic terrain, is within reach, and there is ample hiking and cycling nearby.
Taupo suits outdoor lovers, anglers and families, and works well as a stop between Auckland and Wellington. Summer is the busiest and warmest time, while autumn and spring are quieter and still pleasant.
- Country
- New Zealand
- Currency
- NZD
- Time zone
- Pacific/Auckland
- Nearest airport
- TUO
Last updated
Top places to visit in Taupo
Lake Taupo
volcanic lake · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Australasia's largest lake, filling a supervolcano caldera, with trout fishing, kayaking and mountain views.
Huka Falls
power waterfall · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
New Zealand's most-visited natural attraction, where the Waikato River funnels through a narrow chasm and thunders over an 11 m drop in electric-blue torrents.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park
hidden geothermal valley · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A less-visited 'hidden valley' of vast silica terraces, geysers and a rare geothermal cave, reached by a short boat ride.
Craters of the Moon
geothermal walkway · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A boardwalk loop through a hissing, steaming geothermal field of craters and bubbling mud created by the Wairakei power station.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
alpine day hike · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
Often called the world's best day hike, a 19.4 km trek past steaming craters, the Emerald Lakes and Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom).
Aratiatia Rapids
dam-release rapids · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A dammed gorge that dramatically fills and empties several times daily when the floodgates open into a churning cascade.
Spa Thermal Park & Otumuheke Stream
free hot stream · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A riverside park where a naturally hot geothermal stream tumbles into the cool Waikato River for a free soak.
Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings
lakeside rock art · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Ten-metre-high modern Maori rock carvings on a lake cliff, only reachable by boat, kayak or sailing cruise.
Great Lake Taupo Lakefront
town waterfront · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A grassy town beach and promenade with hot-water beach digging, cafes and mountain views across the lake.
Wairakei Terraces
silica terraces & culture · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Man-made silica terraces recreating the lost Pink and White Terraces, with geysers, a Maori village and thermal pools.
Mount Tauhara
summit hike · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
A steady climb through farmland and bush to a dormant volcano summit with the widest views over Lake Taupo.
Taupo Bungy & Cliffhanger
cliff bungy & swing · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A 47 m bungy and giant cliff-swing over the vivid blue Waikato River gorge.
Things to do
- Hukafalls Jet Adventure · 1 h · from NZD 145 per person
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Walk Hiking · 10 h · from NZD 220 per person
- Taupo Bungy & Cliffhanger Swing Adventure · 1.5 h · from NZD 195 per person
- Skydive Taupo 15,000ft Adventure · 3 h · from NZD 399 per person
- Maori Rock Carvings Sailing Cruise Cultural · 2.5 h · from NZD 59 per person
- Lake Taupo Trout Fishing Charter Nature · 3 h · from NZD 160 per person
Day trips and tours
- Tongariro & Taupo Highlights Day Tour 8 h · from NZD 199
Where to stay in Taupo
- Taupo Town Centre & Lakefront about NZD 210 per night
The compact town centre by the lake, walkable to restaurants, the marina and the hot-water beach.
Hotels
- Acacia Cliffs Lodge 5-star · NZD 400 to NZD 700 per night
- Hilton Lake Taupo 5-star · NZD 280 to NZD 460 per night
- Wairakei Resort Taupo 4-star · NZD 200 to NZD 340 per night
- Millennium Hotel Manuels Taupo 4.5-star · NZD 220 to NZD 360 per night
- Suncourt Hotel Taupo 4-star · NZD 170 to NZD 290 per night
- Tiki Lodge Taupo 2-star · NZD 35 to NZD 120 per night
Where to eat
- The Brantry Modern New Zealand · about NZD 85 per person
- The Bistro Modern New Zealand · about NZD 55 per person
- Plateau Bar & Eatery Gastropub, Modern New Zealand · about NZD 50 per person
- Malabar Indian, Malaysian · about NZD 42 per person
- Storehouse Cafe · about NZD 30 per person
- Spoon & Paddle Cafe · about NZD 28 per person
- Dixie Browns Cafe, Modern New Zealand · about NZD 40 per person
- L'Arte Cafe Cafe · about NZD 28 per person
Getting to Taupo
Airport: Taupo (TUO)
How visitors arrive in Taupo
- Drive via State Highway 1 By road from Auckland / Wellington · common
Taupo sits at the junction of State Highway 1 and the Thermal Explorer Highway, reached by road from Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Napier and Rotorua. Source: lovetaupo.com
- InterCity and backpacker coaches By road from Auckland and other NZ cities · common
InterCity and tour operators such as Kiwi Experience and Stray serve Taupo. Source: lovetaupo.com
- Flight from Auckland to Taupo Airport By air from Auckland · possible
Air New Zealand flies between Auckland and Taupo; a regional operator flies from Wellington. Source: lovetaupo.com
From the airport to the centre
- Taxi from Taupo Airport unconfirmed
The airport lies south of the town centre. Local taxi firms include Taupo Taxis and Top Cabs. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Many activity operators and accommodation providers will arrange pick-up; ask when you book. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the bus terminal to the centre
- InterCity coaches into Taupo
InterCity coaches reach Taupo from across the North Island; adventure-bus networks such as Kiwi Experience and Stray also call in. Source: lovetaupo.com
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
Several car rental companies operate in Taupo, which helps for longer trips beyond the compact, walkable town centre.
- Shuttle
The Hot Bus runs regular trips to the main tourist sites around Taupo, and many activity operators offer pick-up and drop-off.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Vehicle theft at lake and trail car parks
Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon car parks
Bags and electronics left visible in parked cars are occasionally stolen.
How to avoid it: Take valuables with you and leave the car empty and locked.
Best time to visit Taupo
- Jan 23°C
- Feb 23°C
- Mar 21°C
- Apr 17°C
- May 14°C
- Jun 12°C
- Jul 11°C
- Aug 12°C
- Sep 14°C
- Oct 16°C
- Nov 18°C
- Dec 21°C
More in New Zealand
Frequently asked questions about Taupo
- What are the main places to visit in Taupo?
- Places covered in our Taupo guide include Lake Taupo, Huka Falls, Orakei Korako Geothermal Park, Craters of the Moon, Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
- Where should I stay in Taupo?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Taupo: Taupo Town Centre & Lakefront.
- How do I get around Taupo?
- Ways to get around Taupo covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Shuttle, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Taupo?
- Scams reported to us for Taupo include Vehicle theft at lake and trail car parks. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Taupo?
- Average daytime highs in Taupo run from 11°C in Jul to 23°C in Jan.
- Which airport is nearest to Taupo?
- The nearest airport to Taupo has the code TUO.