The YHA Taupo hostel consists of double, twin and multi-share backpacker accommodation in the main building and a fully self-contained lodge which is perfect for group accommodation. Some of the private rooms have ensuite bathrooms. The grounds around YHA Taupo have tent site accommodation, a BBQ picnic area, an actual clothesline as well as hammocks in the garden.
Relax in the hot tub or sit out on the large deck with mountain and lake views. Get to know other backpackers over a game of volleyball, table tennis, or pool. YHA Taupo also has a classic video library in its cosy lounge and WiFi internet access for those days when you just want to take it easy. This secure YHA Taupo hostel offers a warm and friendly backpacker accommodation.
"YHA Taupo is an excellent and welcoming modern associate YHA hostel, close to town and with good lake and mountain views from the kitchen and BBQ balcony. As well as a spa pool and an outdoor cinema runs in the summer." - The Rough Guide to New Zealand
Special features at YHA Taupo that backpackers love:
- Central location to both the Taupo lakefront and the Taupo town centre.
- Having breakfast on deck with wonderful views of Lake Taupo and Mt Ruapehu.
- Fantastic outdoor space at the Taupo hostel: hammocks, outdoor picnic area, clothesline and tent sites.
- Free spa pool – put it to use after hiking the Tongariro Crossing!
- Fun leisure equipment for use: volleyball, table tennis or pool
- WiFi Internet access. 6 internet terminals.
- Plenty of off-street parking.
About Taupo
Come to Taupo to enjoy the largest lake in the Australasia and the cheapest skydiving in the Southern Hemisphere. Lake Taupo is great place to stay in the middle of the North Island between Auckland and Wellington, and just a 60-minute drive from Rotorua. Try rafting, bungy-jumping, jet boating or trout fishing - Taupo’s unspoilt mountains, rivers and lakes are good for rejuvenating your spirit.
At the Huka Falls just outside of Taupo, the Waikato River which is normally 100m wide, is squeezed through a 20 metre wide gorge with awesome results. The Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk is a free walkway where you can see bubbling craters, mud pools and hot, steamy conditions!
Walk the Tongariro Crossing or relax in the thermal pools at the Taupo Hot Springs Spa or Wairakei Terraces. Experience the exhilaration of white water rafting with River Rats Rafting & Adventure on spectacular scenic rivers around the Central North Island region - choose from grade 2 trips suitable for families or the less adventurous through to grade 5 adrenaline pumping adventure!
For something more refined, sail on the Barbary, a genuine 1920s 50-ft yacht across the lake to the famous Maori rock carvings. And for cultural entertainment the Wairakei Terraces has Maori culture evening experiences with a traditional welcome, Maori song and dance, a delicious hangi (a meal cooked under the earth) and a tour of the replica Pink & White Terraces, once the 8th Wonder of the World before being lost forever to the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption in 1886.
Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s favourite place to relax, unwind and excite the senses.
Top activities to do while backpacking in Taupo
- The cheapest skydiving in the Southern Hemisphere is in Taupo – and the views over New Zealand’s largest lake are absolutely breathtaking.
- Visit the amazing Huka Falls where you can plainly see why they are so named – huka is the Maori word for ‘foam’.
- Take a steam boat or sail on the luxury Barbary yacht across Lake Taupo to see some ancient Maori rock drawings.
- Walk the Tongariro Crossing or go white-water rafting on the mighty Tongariro River.
- Wairakei Terraces in Taupo has Maori cultural entertainment to rival Rotorua.
- The Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk is a free geothermal area with elevated viewing platforms to see all the bubbling mud and steam.
- Relax in the hot pools at the Taupo Hot Springs Spa or at Wairakei Terraces.
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