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
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events
Zirka Circus
When: Jul 9 to Jul 18, 02:00 PM to 05:45 PM
Where: Tongariro Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Tongariro North Domain, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupo Winter Festival 2020
When: Jul 3 to Jul 12, 05:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: Tongariro Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Tongariro North Domain, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Blindspott
When: Aug 28 to Aug 29, 07:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Guy Williams live in Taupo! WOAH! Cool.
When: Jul 27, 07:30 PM to 08:30 PM
Where: 2 Matai Street , Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: The Playhouse Centre Stage Taupo, 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 Oct 18, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: Lake Terrace, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Northcroft Reserve, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taupo Treasure Trails 2020
When: Jul 4 to Jul 19, 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: 30 Tongariro St, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Taupō i-Site, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Ben Hurley & Justine Smith: Straight-Out-Of-Lockdown Tour
When: Jul 22, 07:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 10 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Finn's Gastro Pub, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Mid-Winter Christmas Buffet
When: Jul 4 to Jul 25, 05:30 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
NZ Mountain Film Festival – 'Best Of' Taupo Screening
When: Jul 9, 07:45 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: Horomatangi Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Starlight Cinema, 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.
