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
Blindspott
When: Oct 16, 07:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taupo Winter Festival - Take 2!
When: Oct 2 to Oct 11, 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Le Currents - Taupo
When: Dec 27, 02:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: Redoubt Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Riverside Park & Unison Amphitheatre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
The Taupo Market
When: Jul 4 to Jan 2, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: 150 Acacia Bay Road Corner Mansell Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Nukuhau Shopping Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Market Central
When: May 3 to Apr 25, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: Lake Terrace, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Northcroft Reserve, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Dave Dobbyn - Open Up Tour
When: Oct 18, 07:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taupo Comedy Gala
When: Sep 25, 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: 5 Taniwha Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Taupo Cosmopolitan Club, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Fernando & Friends Fiesta
When: Sep 25 to Sep 26, 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: 7 tuwharetoa street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Tejano Cantina, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Didgeridoo Sound Journey, Taupo
When: Nov 6, 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Where: Starlight Arcade Level 1, 18 Horomatangi Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Yoga Tree, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Starlight Cinema Fireworks & Laser Extravaganza
When: Nov 6, 05:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Where: Centennial Drive, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Owen Delany Park, 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.
