Taupo Travel Guide: Best Things to Do
The first stop on our road trip around New Zealand was breathtaking Lake Taupo. Read our travel guide that includes top activities and attractions near Lake Taupo, the best things to do, must-visit places, and tips on the best hotels. This stunning lake should definitely be on your travel itinerary!
Taupo was one of the first places we visited after we left the city of Auckland, and honestly, we couldn't choose a better place to start our New Zealand adventure.
We quickly realized that New Zealand offers incredible scenery and epic drives exactly as we imagined, and we instantly knew that this road trip would be something special.
Yes, you hear a lot about New Zealand's beauty, but you will truly appreciate it when you one day wake up on the shore of a beautiful lake.
Visiting Lake Taupo is a great introduction to the country of White Cloud.
From raging waterfalls to active volcanoes, lush forests to geothermal wonderlands, and from crystal clear blue lake to a moonscape, Taupo is a must-visit place on your New Zealand itinerary.
Taupo is one of the most attractive and beautiful destinations in New Zealand for Kiwis and international travelers, and tourism is a very important industry in this region.
As a result, Taupo offers excellent hiking trails, great accommodation, and plenty of things to do. And all of this in an all-year-round package.
So if you are planning to visit Lake Taupo soon, we've got you covered.
We've rounded up a list of activities, things to do, and useful tips about this place to help you plan your next exciting trip!
HUKA FALLS
Majestic waterfalls on the Waikato River only 10 minutes drive from the town of Taupo, Huka Falls, is for sure one of the best New Zealand attractions you can't miss.
According to the description board, about 200 000 liters of water flow every second through the narrow gap in the gorge and then plunges from the nine meters high rock.
The current of the falls is incredibly strong and prevents eels and trouts to migrate upstream.
Even on the paper, the statistics seem like a huge number, but not until you visit Huka Falls by yourself. Only then you can truly see the raw power of the falls.
As you approach this natural wonder, you are going to hear the deafening sound of the falls as they thunder through the volcanic canyon.
And then there is the color of the river and the pool at the base of the falls, something between blue and green, which was probably one of the most beautiful blue colors we have ever seen.
A hydro plant controls the flow rate of the Waikato River, which means the Huka Falls look different every day as the height plummets between 7-11 meters.
Huka Falls is easily accessible on foot, and the walk from the parking lot to the best lookout takes only 10 minutes on a flat well-maintained trail. You can also enjoy a pleasant walk from Taupo's Spa Park to Huka Falls via 3.5 kilometers long trail along the Waikato River, although you have to walk the same way back (or arrange transport).
The name Huka means foam in the Maori language, and if you have an adventurous soul (and budget), book a Huka Falls Jet to get closer.
Only this way, you can understand how Maori, the first people who paddled along the river, perceived the power of the falls.
There is no entrance fee.
Lake Taupo
A supervolcanic eruption of the Taupo Volcano which happened 25600 years ago created an enormous caldera that was later on filled with water, and that's how the Lake Taupo was created.
Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand, and locals love it for scenic cruises, trout fishing, and water activities, such as kayaking, water skiing, or paddle-boarding.
Whether you spend a day or a couple of weeks at Lake Taupo, you will find plenty of things to do that will cast away any flashes of boredom.
One of the most popular activities in this area is Lake Taupo Scenic Cruise that also features Maori rock carvings.
ADRENALINE ACTIVITIES
White water rafting, skydiving, bungy jumping, or speed boat jetting, Lake Taupo is packed with adrenaline activities.
The sheer number of adventurous things to do in Lake Taupo is so overwhelming, that this area can even compete with Queenstown, New Zealand's capital of adventure.
And yes, most of these activities are not very budget-friendly, but if you always wanted to get out of your comfort zone and try something crazy, Taupo is the perfect place for you.
Here you can reserve a Tandem Skydive Taupo Experience.
CRATERS OF THE MOON
Steam vents, fumaroles, bubbling mud craters, sulfur smell, and lots of geothermal activity, Craters of the Moon is a wonderful place to visit near Taupo.
One of the most fascinating things we learned about this place was that the craters are very recent (70 years old) and the result of the human activity from the nearby geothermal power station.
A fact we would have never guessed.
This is probably the main reason to visit the craters, to see how (we) humans can affect in positive or negative way our environment.
The whole area now has boardwalks to protect visitors, so you don't have to worry about your steps and the hot ground beneath you. Yeah, the soil under the boardwalks is very hot!
From time to time, new vents and craters emerge from the depths of the Earth, and even though the environment is very hostile, few species of moss and ferns grow here.
Enjoy a slow-paced walk that will take you around the best places in the area, and don't forget to climb the small hill to get amazing views of the geothermal field. It takes about an hour to finish the loop
Craters of the Moon are just across the road from Huka Falls, which means that they are very easily accessible, and you can walk there from Taupo as well. The whole roundtrip should take you about 4-5 hours depending on your speed.
The entrance fee is 8 NZD for adults, which is a very reasonable price.
HIKING & BIKING
From enjoyable Taupo lakeside walks to multi-day challenging treks, the Taupo region offers trails for everyone.
If you are looking for an easy stroll, visit the Huka Falls, for something more challenging, head out to Tongariro National Park.
You will find many quieter trails in the area, and nature lovers and avid hikers will have a blast when exploring this beautiful central area of New Zealand's North Island.
Also, biking is a big thing in Lake Taupo, and you will find many paths in the region, including awesome mountain biking trails, such as the Whakaipo Bay trail to Kinloch.
If you are more serious about this outdoor activity, you can set off for a 71km long Great Lake Trail that follows the edge of the lake across amazing scenery of wetlands, beaches, and lush forests.
TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING
Only 30 minutes drive from the southern tip of Lake Taupo, you will find one of the most incredible places in New Zealand, the famous Tongariro National Park.
Once home to Lord Sauron's evil empire, Tongariro NP is a superb introduction to New Zealand.
While Tongariro NP is mostly known for Lord of the Rings movies and amazing trails, it has one of the best ski areas in the country.
When the snow blankets the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, the scenery completely changes, and ski resorts open from June to October.
Whether you go skiing or hiking, you are spoilt for choice. Tongariro features out-of-this-world scenery and unspoiled nature that guarantees an unforgettable experience.
We decided to hike the 3-day 43km loop Tongariro Northern Circuit, which encircles Mount Ngauruhoe (aka Mount Doom) and takes you around an active stratovolcano, lava forms, emerald lakes, explosion pits, craters and more.
On the second day of this trek, you will join the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is arguably the best day hike in New Zealand and something you shouldn't miss.
Here, you can arrange a return shuttle to Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike.
Where to Stay in Taupo
Taupo Lake area is huge, and you have plenty of choices to decide where to spend a night. The town of Taupo on the shores of the same name lake is the best place to stay, as you will find there the largest selection of hotels.
The next best choice is Turangi, a small town known for trout fishing 5 kilometers of Lake Taupo's southern tip.
There are only a few places offering accommodation on the way from Taupo to Turangi (east side), and you won't find hotels on the west side of the lake at all.
Budget | Rainbow Lodge Backpackers - Rainbow Lodge is a great choice for backpackers who don't want to break the bank for accommodation. This cozy hostel features free WiFi, barbecue facilities, sauna, and free shuttle from the bus station. It has an excellent location close to the city center (including the lake) and the Waikato River, and you can arrange at the desk a shuttle for Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Mid-range | Ashbrook Motel - Wonderful motel that features cozy rooms, free private parking for the guests, garden views and excellent location. Heat pumps and electric blankets ensure that your stay at the room is enjoyable when it is cold outside.
Luxury | Hilton Lake Taupo - Quiet location only a few minutes drive from the town center, spotlessly clean rooms with private balconies, comfortable beds, heated outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and attentive staff, Hilton Lake Taupo surely knows how to take care of guests.
Turangi | Creel Lodge - Close to the Tongariro River, Creel Lodge features beautiful setting, comfortable and clean rooms, idyllic garden views, and on top of that, it's only 5 minute walk from the town center. Excellent value for money.
Camping | Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park - You can't go wrong with TOP 10 Holiday Parks when traveling around New Zealand, and this one is no exception. Taupo Holiday Park has a quiet location, spacious camping sites (tents, campervans, and RVs), motel rooms, and cozy cabins. Basically, everything you would expect from a proper Holiday Park.
Freedom Camping | We stayed at Hipapatua - Reid's Farm (a little away out of the town), which is a perfect spot for freedom camping, when on budget, but there are two things you should know before camping there. First, it can be very crowded, so don't expect to be there alone. That leads us directly to the second point, facilities are basic, rubbish bins are packed, sometimes toilets are not very clean, etc. It's a lovely spot, but very basic.
WHEN TO VISIT LAKE TAUPO
The best time to visit Lake Taupo is in summer (December to February in New Zealand), as this is a perfect season for outdoor activities and watersports.
Spring and autumn bring crisp mornings and warm days when it's an ideal time to go fishing or hiking.
Winter brings snow into mountainous parts of this region, and avid skiers and snowboarders will have fun in one of many ski areas such as Tukino, Turoa or Whakapapa.
The lower parts are still great for hiking or biking and also adrenaline activities.
As you can see, Taupo is an all-year-round destination, and you should choose the time of the year wisely according to activities you prefer doing.
WHAT TO PACK FOR VISITING LAKE TAUPO
The things you need to pack for Lake Taupo depend mostly on the time of the year and activities you want to do while there.
We camped near the lake in October (spring), and it was still pretty cold outside at night, and we were glad that we bought high-quality sleeping bags, which you won't need at all if you decide to stay at motels during your road trip.
Due to the alpine environment on the Tongariro Crossing, you are definitely going to need a sturdy hiking boots, as the trails in New Zealand can get really muddy.
A good waterproof jacket and comfortable daypack with waist strap is a must. It's essential to set off on a trail equipped with proper gear because the weather can change several times a day.
Also, don't forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
For more NZ packing tips, read this guide Ultimate New Zealand Packing List.
SAFETY
Lake Taupo is very safe, and there is a low crime rate in this region.
Said that no place is perfect, and you should never leave your valuables in the car. If there is no way around, don't leave valuables visible in your car as car break-in is often an opportunistic crime.
Don't be too paranoid about this and use your common sense.
And one more thing to consider, an abandoned parking lot in the middle of nowhere doesn't have to be necessarily safer than a busy lot in the city center.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
GETTING AROUND
There are several reasons to rent a car for New Zealand road trip.
When vacationing in NZ you have a limited time to explore all must-visit places and experience several activities.
Having your own car let you to travel at your own pace and gives you the freedom to visit all the spots you planned back home.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
