Taupō, also sometimes written as Taupo, is a cute lakeside town located in the center of New Zealand’s North Island on the edge of Lake Taupō, which is the largest freshwater lake in the country. It’s a friendly, picturesque place with fantastic views of the lake and mountains (on a clear day). When the weather is stunning, you’ll want to spend hours walking along the lake and stopping for a bite at one of the many waterfront restaurants. Here are some of my other top things to do in Taupō:
Visit Huka Falls and the Aratatia Rapids
Part of the Waikato River, Huka Falls is one of Aotearoa’s most visited natural attractions, and for good reason. The falls are simply stunning and easy to get to. You can also get up close to the falls by traveling on a jet boat, and get your adrenaline pumping. However, if you’re just interested in seeing the falls, this attraction is also completely free, and you can follow a 2.5-hour hiking trail to also see the Araratia Rapids, another beautiful sight to behold.
If you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings franchise, Huka Falls and the Aratatia Rapids are where Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves go down a rushing river in their escape from the Mirkwood elves in The Desolation of Smaug. For more Lord of the Rings filming locations to visit in New Zealand, check out this post.
Go Kayaking
If you’re searching for more adventure, you can kayak down the mighty Waikato River or go for a more leisurely experience on Lake Taupō itself. There are plenty of different vendors in Taupō, but book your tours in advance and leave plenty of time for the round-trip. We didn’t stay long in Taupō, but it is a great place if you’re able to work in more time into your itinerary.
Go Swimming in Kuratau Lagoon
Located on Lake Taupō’s westside, Kuratau Lagoon is a hidden gem. With crystal clear waters, the lagoon is removed from the beaten path, and you’ll have to hike through wild nature to get there. I always hesitate when sharing places that are secluded, and especially shielded from tourists, but I really enjoyed this experience. There was a couple there when we arrived, but they left soon after, and then we had the lagoon to ourselves. It was utterly peaceful and serene, and completely silent. My only regret is not wearing a swimsuit!
Go Skydiving
This is another one for the tourists looking for an adrenaline rush, but Taupō is the perfect place to go skydiving! You can book your desired experience with the expert team Taupō Tandem Skydiving, which is rated New Zealand’s #1 Rated Skydive on TripAdvisor, and you can choose up to four different heights for your skydive. If we had stayed here longer, I absolutely would have done it myself.
Walk the Waterfront
As I mentioned in my introduction, if you only have a little time in Taupō, I recommend simply walking along the waterfront, taking in the incredible views, then stopping for a bite to eat and strolling around town. If you’re looking for vegan-friendly dining options in Taupō (with some lakefront options), check out this blog post.
Visit The Craters of the Moon
Craters of the Moon is located in the heart of Taupō’s volcanic zone, which encompasses three active volcanoes: Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro. It costs $10 NZD for adults, $5 for children, and $25 per family (children under five are free), and dogs are not permitted for obvious safety reasons. You should follow all of the marked trails, and get there early before the crowds roll in, because it does get busy.
Walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Speaking of Tongariro, one of the world’s greatest hikes is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is also often regarded as the best one-day trek in New Zealand. Located in Tongariro National Park, the country’s oldest national park and a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 20.2-kilometer (12-mile) trek takes you across incredible mountain and volcanic landscapes, and is well worth the hike. However, it is not the best for those who are just starting out, as extreme weather and terrain embody this hike.
See Geothermal Wonders and Waters
If you’re looking for even more volcanic activity, check out some of Taupo’s other geothermal wonders and waters while you’re in the vicinity. And if you’re searching for something a tad more relaxing, check out Taupō Thermal Springs, and soak in some hot springs. There are also several other hot springs in or near the area.
Take a Ngātoroirangi Boat Tour
Last, but certainly not least, a great way to start the next morning is by taking a boat tour, the Māori Rock Carvings Morning Cruise to be exact. It costs $59 NZD per adult, but you’ll spend the morning on the water, navigating through beautiful bays and views, before reaching the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, which are only accessible by water.
What are your favorite things to do in or near Taupō? Let me know in the comments!
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