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
The Big Bang - New Year's Eve Celebration
When: Dec 31 to Jan 1, 07:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Where: Ruapehu Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Colonel Roberts Reserve, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Christmas in the Park Taupo
When: Dec 5, 01:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Where: 32 Roberts St, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Taupo Town 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
Taupo Summer Concert
When: Jan 30, 09:45 AM to 06:15 PM
Where: Redoubt Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Riverside Park & Unison Amphitheatre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
The Feelers & Elemeno P - Summer Tour 2021
When: Jan 3, 06:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Where: 10 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Finn's Bistro and Beer Garden, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Christmas Day Grand Buffet
When: Dec 25, 11:30 AM to 08:30 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
The Taupo Market
When: Jul 4 to Mar 6, 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
The Gambler
When: Dec 13, 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Where: State Highway 5, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Craters MTB Park, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taupo Rodeo
When: Dec 29, 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Where: Cnr Broadlands & Centennial Drive, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Taupo Rodeo, 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.