Things to see & do in Taupō

Nau mai haere mai
Welcome to Taupō, the heart of New Zealand’s North Island.

Defined by its volcanic landscape with beautiful lake and mountain vistas, Taupō is an ideal base for your North Island holiday. Discover waterfalls and ancient forests, adventure and adrenalin activities like skiing, jet boating, bungy jumping, skydiving and white-water rafting, world-class mountain bike trails, bush walking, gourmet food, and art and craft galleries. Accommodation is characterised by million-dollar views, fishing lodges tucked away in private locations and luxury lodges. Those looking for a relaxing experience while visiting this stunning region will love the many geothermal hot pools, spas and geothermal walks, the beautiful lakeside Great Lake Walkway, and the extensive range of boutique-style stores in Taupō’s town centre.

Just 45 minutes scenic drive from Taupō is Turangi, the gateway to the mighty Tongariro River and world-renowned dual world heritage Tongariro National Park. Turangi is also known for some of the best trout fishing in the world, and it lies on the doorstep of New Zealand’s largest and most unique ski area, Whakapapa.

The region is home to more of New Zealand’s best visitor attractions than any other region. This list of must-see attractions includes:

  • Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction

  • Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings, one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary contemporary Maori artworks sit 14-metres above the waters of Lake Taupō

  • Lake Taupō – the third largest freshwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere

  • The UNESCO Dual World Heritage Park, Tongariro National Park. Home to stunning day walks and New Zealand’s best one-day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

  • Tongariro River – the world’s best trout fishing river

  • Geothermal wonders – explore thermal walkways with geysers and bubbling mud pools, or soak in thermal waters at one of the regions hot pools

  • Whakapapa Ski Area – NZ’s largest commercial ski area

  • Knoll Ridge Café – NZ’s highest café

  • Middle Earth – discover filming locations for the fictional Mordor and Mount Doom in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film trilogy

  • The Jack Niklaus designed Kinloch Club and Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary are consistently ranked in NZ’s top 10 golf courses

  • Three of NZ’s premium luxury lodges – Huka Lodge, The Lodge at Kinloch Club and Poronui Lodge

Boasting a huge range of accommodation options the Great Lake Taupō region offers resorts, a 5-star international hotel, national hotel chains, as well as locally owned and operated venues, and a huge selection of self-contained apartments, motor lodges and motels.

Whether you are traveling on your own, with friends, family or in a group, there is an itinerary to suit everyone in Taupō.