Love this place. Love Taupō. Aroha ki tēnei wāhi. Arohaina Taupō.
Located right in the heart of the north island, Taupo’s majestic terrains and stunning waters are only a short drive or flight away from New Zealand’s largest cities, making it the perfect spot to bring people together.
Our breathtaking natural wonders and trails are more pristine than ever before. Our artisans and boutique businesses have been busy creating and restocking their shelves, and our tourism and hospitality operators are excited to see you and welcome you back with open arms.
Taupo is a place of extraordinary natural beauty – a vast, sparkling lake, trout-filled rivers, steaming geothermal zones and towering snow-blanketed mountains. Ancient forests, alive with rare native birds are crossed with scenic hiking tracks, all just awaiting the addition of your boot prints.
Visitors are often drawn to the region by its phenomenal range of outdoor activities which include white water rafting, bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, mountain biking, hiking, trout fishing, golf, scenic cruises and water sports (swimming, sailing, parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding).
Nearby you will also find New Zealand’s largest ski fields on Mt Ruapehu, which even attracts hikers to its peak in summer. The full-day Tongariro Crossing is an unforgettable alpine hike across a cratered, rocky, moonscape of gemstone-coloured mineral pools in the heart of the dual-listed UNESCO heritage site of Tongariro National Park.
It’s a paradise for those who love nature and adventure, with an incredible range of unique landscapes found within the three-hour drive around the lake. In the region, you will find many peaceful lake and riverside towns, villages and settlements, such as Turangi, Mangakino, Kinloch, Kuratau and Omori. These quintessential New Zealand hideaways offer an escape from the ordinary, where time passes slowly and days are spent exploring and discovering local secrets.
There is also plenty to do for those who would prefer a more relaxed visit.
Taupo has a cosmopolitan town centre full of cafes, restaurants and bars serving gourmet food, excellent coffee (often locally roasted), locally brewed craft beers and wine, and organic and free-range local produce.
The streets are lined with boutiques shops, craft galleries, art sculptures and New Zealand’s largest collection of street art created during the annual Graffiato: Taupo Street Art Festival. Families enjoy the many public spaces and one of the country’s best children’s playgrounds.
Accommodation in Taupo is equally as impressive as the landscape. Luxury lodges in beautiful surroundings, contemporary hotels, motels, backpackers, and apartments, and unique bed & breakfast escapes… You’ll find your home away from home in Taupo.
Come stay, come play, right in the heart of this place.