Taupo - the heart of the North Island
Fishermen flock to this great inland sea in the middle of the North Island, but there’s so much more to Taupo than the trout swimming in New Zealand’s largest lake. Perched on Tapuaeharuru Bay at the mouth of the Waikato River, Taupo is a great launchpad for discovering the natural wonders that fringe this mighty lake.
Experience the roar of the thunderous Huka Falls and marvel at the Aratiatia Rapids. Mountain-bike through forest and wetlands on the Great Lake Trail. Navigate geothermal walkways then unwind in the area’s many mineral-rich thermal baths - including free natural springs that are walking distance from town! And don’t miss the striking volcanic terrain of the Tongariro National Park.
at a glance
Best known for
New Zealand’s largest lake
Did you know
Taupo is home to NZ’s first cable wakeboarding park
Don't leave without
visiting the free thermal hotsprings!
stories
12 Crazy Adrenaline Activities To Try In New Zealand
While Queenstown gets all the glory for being..
events
Taupo Summer Concert: SOLD OUT
When: Jan 25, 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Where: Redoubt Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Riverside Park & Unison Amphitheatre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
BANFF Mountain Film Festival
When: Jun 29, 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
The Taupo Market
When: Jan 5 to Dec 28, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: Redoubt Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Riverside Park & Unison Amphitheatre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
2019 Sika Show & Competitions
When: Sep 28 to Sep 29, 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
BDO Huka MTB – BDO Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
When: Nov 30, 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Formula Challenge in Style
When: Jun 29 to Jun 30, 02:00 PM to 10:05 AM
Where: 271 Huka Falls Road, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Huka Lodge, Taupo, Lake Taupo
The Gambler
When: Sep 8, 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Where: Karapiti Road
Venue: Craters Mountain Bike Park, Taupo, Waikato
Taupo Hobby Expo
When: Jul 13 to Jul 14, 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Where: 26 A C Baths Avenue, Tauhara, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: AC Baths & Thermal Hot Pools, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Zirka Circus
When: Jul 11 to Jul 14, 07:00 PM to 06:30 PM
Where: Tongariro Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Tongariro North Domain, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taste of Asia Buffet
When: May 4 to Jun 29, 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Nearby Hostels
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YHA Taupo
Modernised, stylised and positive vibes; this backpacker hostel has what you need for a great stay in Taupo, providing views from the balcony of New Zealand's largest lake.
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YHA Ohakune
A restored 1906 character villa, this welcoming backpacker hostel is a homely, comfortable base close to world-renowned hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking.
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YHA Rotorua
Located near a natural geothermal site, shops, restaurants and Lake Rotorua, this purpose-built backpacker hostel offers rooms for all types of travellers and spacious communal facilities.