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
Whakaipo Lodge Summer Concert
When: Feb 23, 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM
Where: 1/504 Mapara Road, Acacia Bay, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Whakaipo Lodge, Taupo, Lake Taupo
The Bubble Show
When: Feb 22, 04:00 PM to 07:30 PM
Where: Matai St, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Centre Stage, Taupo, Lake Taupo
The Developing Brain - Taupo
When: Feb 26, 07:30 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: 20 Parata Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Waipahihi Primary School, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Sunday Surf & Turf Buffet
When: Feb 3 to Mar 31, 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
The Frank Burkitt Band
When: Feb 21, 07:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 4 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Taupo Museum, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taupo Home & Garden Show
When: Apr 5 to Apr 7, 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Across The Lake Swim
When: Feb 23, 07:00 AM to 09:15 AM
Where: Lake Terrace, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Lake Taupo, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Friday & Saturday Night Market
When: Dec 28 to Feb 23, 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
The Taupo Market
When: Jan 5 to Jun 1, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: Redoubt Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Riverside Park & Unison Amphitheatre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taupo Wellbeing Market
When: Mar 9 to Mar 10, 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, 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.