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 Autumn Motor Festival and Super Truck Meeting: POSTPONED
When: May 9 to May 10, 08:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Where: 463 Broadlands Rd, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Kelvin Cruickshank Live
When: Jun 19, 07:00 PM to 09:30 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Market Central
When: Jan 5 to Apr 26, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: Lake Terrace, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Northcroft Reserve, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Craters Classic Mountain Bike Event
When: Jun 14, 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taupo Marathon
When: Aug 2, 07:30 AM to 04:30 PM
Where: Tongariro Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Tongariro North Domain, Taupo, Lake Taupo
2020 Sika Show and Competition
When: Sep 26 to Sep 27, 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Mulligans Open Mic Night Live Music
When: Oct 17 to Oct 30, 09:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Where: 15 Tongariro Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Mulligans Bar, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Embody Peace Retreat 2020:Nia, Mindful Movement & Meditation
When: Apr 17 to Apr 20, 02:00 PM to 02:00 PM
Where: 60 Acacia Heights Drive, Acacia Bay, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Tauhara Retreat Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
The Big Bike Film Night: POSTPONED
When: Apr 23, 06:00 PM to 08:10 PM
Where: Horomatangi Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Starlight Cinema, Taupo, Lake Taupo
MTB Rogaine
When: Apr 25, 12:30 PM to 03:00 PM
Where: Mata Place, Kinloch
Venue: Kinloch Lakefront, Taupo, Waikato
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.