Taupo

Travel Guide
Huka Falls which includes a river or creek and boating as well as a small group of people

Where to stay in Taupo

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 Taupo 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, Taupo Hot Springs and Lake Taupo are top sights worth seeing.

Hilltop
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Two Mile Bay

When in Two Mile Bay, you can plan a visit to Taupo Hot Springs and Spa Thermal Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Two Mile Bay
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Wharewaka

While visiting Wharewaka, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Taupo and The Landing Lake Taupo.

Wharewaka
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Waipahihi

If you're spending some time in Waipahihi, Lake Taupo and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

Waipahihi
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Nukuhau

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

Nukuhau
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
4.5 out of 5
76 Napier-Taupo Road, SH 5, Taupo
The price is SAR54 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
SAR54
per night
Jun 23 - Jun 24
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury holiday park in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"The chalet was very clean and had a nice outlook. Very minimal in area of utensils and crockery . Hits pools a treat . Staff very good"

Reviewed on 12 Jun, 2024

Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
Beechtree Motel
Beechtree Motel
4.5 out of 5
56 Rifle Range Road, Taupo
The price is SAR108 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
SAR108
per night
Jul 17 - Jul 18
Stay at this 4.5-star family-friendly motel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (686 reviews)
"It was everything that it should be. A rarity these days it seems"

Reviewed on 9 Jun, 2024

Beechtree Motel
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace, Taupo
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (555 reviews)
"Very friendly staff. Spacious rooms. Restaurant on premises."

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2024

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
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.
Sacred Waters
Sacred Waters
5 out of 5
221-225 Lake Terrace, Waipahihi, Taupo, Waikato
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private spa tubs. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (390 reviews)
"Nice, comfortable and safe stay"

Reviewed on 24 May, 2024

Sacred Waters
Ika Nui Taupo
Ika Nui Taupo
3 out of 5
64 Lake Terrace, Taupo, Waikato
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Taupo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (221 reviews)
"Does what it says on the tin. Perfect motel for us, nice and warm with easy walking to the main attractions."

Reviewed on 11 Jun, 2024

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 Taupo. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (635 reviews)
"Great location easy walk to bars, restaurantsandshopping. Friendly. Clean, quiet and tidy."

Reviewed on 9 Jun, 2024

Quest Taupo Serviced Apartments
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

Reviews of Taupo

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
63
" "5 - Excellent 64.94845360824742%
4 - Good
31
" "4 - Good 31.95876288659794%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 2.0618556701030926%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.0309278350515463%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

JimandDonna
Mar 5, 2020

The walk to Huka Falls was very nice

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 4, 2020

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
Dec 15, 2019

What a great jumping off spot for exploring the area!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 28, 2019

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
Nov 3, 2019

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
Sep 30, 2019

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.