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
Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under 19 Tournament 2019
When: Sep 8 to Sep 14, 10:30 AM to 06:30 PM
Where: Centennial Drive, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Owen Delany Park, Taupo, Lake Taupo
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
Renèe Geyer
When: Aug 30 to Aug 31, 09:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Where: 281 Spa Road, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Grandeur Thermal Spa Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Onward - A Decade of Devilskin
When: Oct 17, 07:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, 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
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
New Orleans Buffet
When: Aug 3 to Sep 28, 05:30 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 Dec 28, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: Redoubt Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Riverside Park & Unison Amphitheatre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Five Senses Dining - Tastes of Taupo
When: Aug 31, 06:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taupo Blue Light - Drive in Movie
When: Sep 14, 06:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Where: 96 Richmond Ave, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Waipahihi Reserve, 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.