Taupō

Travel Guide

Huka Falls showing 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 mountains and a hot spring as well as a couple
Taupo featuring signage
Taupo Bungy which includes a park

Where to stay in Taupō

Taupo featuring a lake or waterhole

Taupō Central

While visiting Taupō Central, you might make a stop by sights like Taupō Marina and Boat Ramp and Lake Taupō.

Taupō Central
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Nukuhau

If you're spending some time in Nukuhau, Lake Taupō and Waikato River are top sights worth seeing.

Nukuhau
Some may have seen this in photos before, but no photo does it justice; or shows you the awesomeness quite like when you are standing directly on the side of the boat and within metres of this brilliant carving. I took a small boat that served treats, pizza and wine. Although travelling alone I was able to meet people on this trip very easily. I went on the Ernest Kemp Steamboat. Such character and lovely staff.

Acacia Bay

Lake views and restaurants are notable features of Acacia Bay. You might consider a stop by Lake Taupō while you're exploring the neighborhood.

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

If you're spending some time in Hilltop, Taupō Hot Springs and Lake Taupō are top sights worth seeing.

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 SAR 194 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
SAR 194
SAR 226 total
2 Jul - 3 Jul
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! (877 reviews)
"Always love staying here, our go to when in Taupo. Friendly Staff, great food, clean and tidy."

Reviewed on 22 June 2025

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Beechtree Motel
Beechtree Motel
4.5 out of 5
56 Rifle Range Road, Taupo
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! (833 reviews)
"Great value"

Reviewed on 25 June 2025

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Beechtree Motel
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
4.5 out of 5
76 Napier-Taupo Road, SH 5, Taupo
The price is SAR 174 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
SAR 174
SAR 203 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury holiday park in Taupō. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 29 June 2025

Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
See all 650 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.
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! (322 reviews)
By the lake
"very good stay , parking a bit tight"

Reviewed on 24 June 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! (701 reviews)
"All was good from checking in to checking out"

Reviewed on 22 June 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! (332 reviews)
"The property was lovely, very clean, spacious, warm heaters and electric blankets on every bed! We were very happy with our stay and the owners were super lovely and friendly. Would definitely recommend and will stay again"

Reviewed on 19 June 2025

The Village Resort
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

People gather at a hot spot in the Waikato river. Because of the geothermal activity in this area, this area of the lake is like a hot tub. #waikatoriver #geothermal #nature #newzealand #taupo #hotspot

Spa Thermal Park

4/5(1 review)

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

4.5/5(3 reviews)

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Taupō Museum and Art Gallery during your trip to Taupō. Discover the area's mountain views and spas.

Taupō Museum and Art Gallery

Taupō Hot Springs

4.5/5(10 reviews)

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

A.C. Baths

4.5/5(6 reviews)

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

Taupō Marina and Boat Ramp

4.5/5(4 reviews)

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

Taupō i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Taupō i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is just one of the places to see in Taupō, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

Taupō i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Reviews of Taupō

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
63
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
31
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

JimandDonna

The walk to Huka Falls was very nice

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Unfortunately we arrived around midnight and left very early to catch our plane in Auckland so we did not have time to explore the area, but we plan on returning in the future.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

What a great jumping off spot for exploring the area!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Taupo looked like a nice town with lots to do; unfortunately, we were there just overnight and could not take advantage of the lake or local hiking and biking. We did go to Spa Park and soaked in the hot spring there, which was enjoyable (and free).

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Taupo felt more relaxed than Rotorua and you could get around by public bus. Huka Falls and thermal Spa Park were only a $3 rt bus fare but walking the trail was also quite lovely.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The people in Taupo were awesomely friendly, nice small lake town with not so many tourists (in Spring). I would love to come back again to experience more of this place.