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 New Zealand’s adrenaline capital, we know a few more hotspots to suit your mood and adrenaline...
Central North Road Trip
We've put together the ultimate Central Plateau road trip to show just how much cool stuff is packed into the area!
Top 5 Must-Do Activities in Wellington
As one of the most central hostels in town, our YHA Wellington team pride themselves on being well-placed to explore and offer tips about this cool...
Top 7 Must-Do Activities in Rotorua
Rotorua is well known for it's geothermal wonders and adrenaline-pumping activities, but did you know it's also a haven for mountain biking? Check...
The Top 9 Geothermal Hotspots to Explore In Rotorua
Rotorua is known as a haven for weird and wonderful geothermal activity, and we've got the inside word on the best places to see geysers, mud...
events
Kinloch Market
When: Oct 27, 08:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Where: Kinloch Rd, Kinloch, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Kinloch Domain, 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
Starlight Cinema Fireworks & Laser Extravaganza
When: Nov 1, 05:30 PM to 09:45 PM
Where: Centennial Drive, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Owen Delany Park, 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
The Original Gypsy Fair – Est'd 1990
When: Oct 26 to Oct 28, 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: Tongariro Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Tongariro North Domain, Taupo, Lake Taupo
North Island Select v England Community Lions
When: Oct 24, 06:25 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: Centennial Drive, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Owen Delany Park, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Graffiato - Taupo Street Art Festival
When: Oct 26 to Oct 28, 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: 32 Roberts St, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Taupo Town Centre, 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
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
BDO Huka MTB – BDO Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
When: Nov 30, 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Nearby Hostels
view more
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.
view more
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.
view more
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.