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
Easterfest 2019
When: Apr 18 to Apr 21, 06:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
The Taupo Market
When: Jan 5 to Jun 1, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: Redoubt Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Riverside Park & Unison Amphitheatre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taupō Red Bike Treasure Hunt
When: Apr 13 to Apr 28, 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: Tongariro St, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Taupo Domain, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taupō Monster Bike Sale
When: Apr 13 to Apr 28, 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: Tamamutu Street
Venue: Taupō Bike Shops, Taupo, Waikato
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
Easter Sunday Brunch
When: Apr 21, 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Mexican Buffet
When: Mar 2 to Apr 27, 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Landslide - Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Tribute Show
When: May 10, 08:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: 281 Spa Road, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Grandeur Thermal Spa Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Graeme James 'The Long Way Home' NZ Tour
When: Apr 25, 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Where: Wakeman Road, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Acacia Bay Community Hall, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Trash and Treasure Fare
When: Jan 5 to Dec 7, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: Redoubt Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Riverside Park & Unison Amphitheatre, 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.