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!
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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
Christmas In the Park
When: Dec 14, 01:00 PM to 06:00 PM
Where: Redoubt Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Riverside Park & Unison Amphitheatre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Ironman 70.3 New Zealand
When: Mar 7, 05:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: Tongariro St, Taupo 3330
Venue: Northern Domain, Taupo, Waikato
Backing Black Cocktail Night and Auction
When: Dec 20, 07:00 PM to 11:45 PM
Where: 114 Rapids Rd, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: National Equestrian Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Big Bang - New Year's Eve
When: Dec 31 to Jan 1, 07:30 PM to 12:15 AM
Where: Cnr Tongariro St & Ferry Road, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Tongariro South Domain, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Interislander Summer Festival Taupo Races
When: Dec 30, 10:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Where: Centennial Dr, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Taupo Racecourse, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Christmas Day Grand Buffet
When: Dec 25, 05:30 AM to 08:30 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Mitre 10 Mega - Trolley Derby - Brought to You by Taupo Blue
When: Dec 14, 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Where: Redoubt Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Riverside Park & Unison Amphitheatre, 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
Aaradhna Taupo
When: Dec 14 to Dec 15, 08:30 PM to 12:30 AM
Where: 281 Spa Rd, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Joshua's Bar, 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.