Your guide to the L.A.B, Stan Walker & Friends concert in Taupō

A Kiwi summer is nothing without an awesome roadie. And with a new album ready for your listening pleasure, L.A.B is bringing their friends Stan Walker, Corrella, Aaradhna and AJA on an epic road trip to Taupō, January 2025. 

So whether you’ve got your own set of wheels, or you need to hitch a ride with someone, just make sure you get here. It’s going to be massive. 

Sold? Great. Now what’s next? Working out where you’re going to eat, stay and play when you come to town. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know to make sure this is the best weekend of your summer. 

Where to stay? 

After an incredible concert, you’ll definitely want somewhere close by to rest your weary head. Thankfully we’ve got plenty of accommodation options here in Taupō, from campgrounds and cabins, to holiday houses, hotels, motels and everything in between. 

If you want clean, fresh and modern on a budget, book into the Taupō Top 10 Holiday Park or the Great Lake Holiday Park in Acacia Bay (this one makes for some easy access to the concert - simply park on the other side of the bridge and wander on over when you’re ready.) 

At Taupō DeBretts Spa Resort you can set up a tent, stay in a cabin or upgrade to a motel room or superior studio. They also have a waterpark and day spa - so you can have a splash around while waiting for your massage or facial. And at the Lake Taupō Holiday Resort you’ll find hydroslides and a thermally-heated lagoon that comes with its very own waterfall, big screen and swim up bar. 

Not keen on camping? Well, how about glamping? Dotted around the Lake Taupō region are a number of gorgeous glamping and off-grid experiences. Think outdoor baths under starlit skies, roasting marshmallows over an open fire and waking to the sound of birdsong. From high-end to cosy and rustic chic, there’s plenty of options to suit everyone. But get in quick, they are very popular and do book out!

There are also heaps of great motels and apartment accommodation complexes along the lakefront too. Check out Suncourt Hotel, Lakebreeze Motel, Clearwater Motor Lodge, Cascades Lakefront Motel or Lakeland Resort Taupō. Most either have a pool, or easy access to the lake. 

Or for a fun backpacking experience, Finlay Jack’s is on the edge of the CBD, or Based By The Lake Taupō is right in town - ideal if you want to be in the heart of all the action.

Where to eat? 

Whether you’re down for burgers and beers, tapas and wine pairing, or something else - we guarantee you’ll find plenty of satisfying items on the menu here in Taupō. 

Tuwharetoa Street is the ‘unofficial’ eat street of town, where you’ll find delicious dining establishments like Vine Eatery and Bar, Plateau, Sorrento and many (many) more.  

And along Lake Terrace are all sorts of bars, restaurants and eateries, and the bonus is, they come with a view! Check out Jimmy Coops Lakehouse, Waterside, Dixie Browns, Lionels, Jolly Goodfellows or the Taupō Social Club.  

If you crave a little wood fired pizza with your beverage, as well as the perfect place to take your next profile pic, then make sure you stop by the 2 Mile Bay Sailing Club. Enjoy great chats and live music as the waves lap at your feet - it truly is a fantastic spot. And if you’re keen on Mexican, Lavida Cantina is your go-to for all things tacos and burritos. They are only new to town but the five-star reviews have been coming in thick and fast from all directions.  

Finns Bistro and Beer Garden is always great for delicious, hearty pub-style meals - which you can enjoy in their sheltered outdoor space. And by night it turns into a busy club where you’ll find everything from a packed dance floor to live bands and more. 

At this time of the year, you might like to take your ‘meal to go’ so you can have a picnic in the park or enjoy it on the water’s edge. There are heaps of takeaways that are more than happy for you to not stick around once you’ve got your order - try Pauly’s for some of the best burgers in town, and The New Yorker food truck on the lakefront (or their shop in town) for a taste of New York City in Taupō. 

Every big night out needs a strong coffee and big feed the next morning, so head to somewhere like The Storehouse, Kefi (there’s three to choose from), Cozy Corner, Replete or Cake Baku.  

What to do before and after L.A.B, Stan Walker & Friends in Taupō? 

Hopefully you’ve booked a few nights either side of the concert so you can really enjoy your break. Because whether you’ve got a couple of hours spare, or a day to fill, make sure you maximise your Taupō time.

It’s a rule of visiting that you have to get up close and personal with the lake while you’re here. Head out on a leisurely lake cruise with Sail Barbary, Chris Jolly or Taupō Sailing Adventures, or pretend you’re skipper for a few hours and take your mates on a self-drive ‘tour’ onboard a Doughboat. 

A simple swim in our crystal clear waters would also suffice - you’ll feel rejuvenated for the year ahead. And if starting 2025 feeling refreshed is also on your list of resolutions, you could always head along to Wairakei Terraces for a soak in their natural thermal springs.

But if you’re more about seeking thrills while in town, how about a ride in a jet boat, doing a bungy or skydiving out of a plane? It’s all on offer here! Have you also heard that we have some of the best mountain bike trails in the country? It’s true. And Craters Mountain Bike Park is the best fun you can have on two wheels. There’s plenty of places to hire bikes too, so you don’t need to worry about BYOB (bringing your own bike).  

The real ‘touristy stuff’ can easily be ticked off the to-dos, if that’s what you and the crew are up for. Have a game of mini golf at Taupō Mini Golf in town or Swingers Putt Putt out by the airport? Don’t forget about the Lake Taupō Hole in One Challenge on the lakefront and you can’t leave town without having your photo taken at the #LOVETaupō sign, as well as above the mighty Huka Falls.   

L.A.B, Stan Walker & Friends might be bringing you to town, but we can promise it’s not the only thing you’ll love about visiting Lake Taupō this summer. Can’t wait to see you soon!