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
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
Pre-Party Taupo 2020
When: Jan 24, 07:30 PM to 11:55 PM
Where: 26 AC Baths Avenue, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Taupo Events Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Friday & Saturday Night Market
When: Dec 27 to Feb 29, 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo, Lake Taupo
The Rogue Bore Container Bar Pop-up
When: Dec 20 to Feb 10, 02:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: 29 Tuwharetoa Street
Venue: The Carpark, Taupo, Waikato
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
Beer Appreciation Day Riverside
When: Feb 22, 12:00 PM to 06:00 PM
Where: Redoubt Street, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Riverside Park & Unison Amphitheatre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
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
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
Waste Free Living Workshop - With Kate Meads
When: Feb 12, 06:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Where: 5 Story Place, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Lake Taupo
NZ House & Garden Tours
When: Feb 21, 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Where: 30 Tongariro St, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Venue: Taupō i-Site, 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.