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 Taupo Market
When: Jan 4 to Feb 29, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: 56 Huka Falls Road
Venue: Cafe Pinot, Taupo, Waikato
Whakaipo Lodge Summer Concert
When: Feb 29, 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM
Where: 1/504 Mapara Road, Acacia Bay, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Whakaipo Lodge, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Friday & Saturday Night Market
When: Dec 27 to Feb 22, 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Market Central
When: Jan 5 to Apr 26, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: Lake Terrace, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Northcroft Reserve, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Ironman 70.3 New Zealand
When: Mar 7, 05:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: Tongariro St, Taupo 3330
Venue: Northern Domain, Taupo, Waikato
Le Pine & Co Across The Lake Swim
When: Feb 29, 07:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Where: Lake Terrace, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Lake Taupo, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Surf & Turf Buffet
When: Dec 29 to Mar 1, 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taupo Wellbeing Market 2020
When: Mar 14 to Mar 15, 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Beyond The Surface
When: Feb 22 to Mar 30, 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM
Where: 4 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Taupo Museum, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Taupo MTB Club Summer Series 2020
When: Jan 30 to Mar 19, 05:15 PM to 07:30 PM
Where: State Highway 5, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Craters MTB Park, 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.