What to do in Taupo

Taupo has many attractions to suit all ages.

Taupo’s central position makes for an ideal holiday base for day trips to Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, Tongariro National Park and Waitomo with guests returning each night to the same warm welcome and comfortable bed.  Picnic lunches for day trips can be arranged. A two-night or more stay is recommended, as there is so much to see and do in and around Taupo.

Because of the Lake, Taupo’s main attractions are water based.  Trout fishing both from a boat on the lake or fly-fishing in a river is one of the main pursuits for tourists.  There are many companies and fishing guides who are available to allow you to enjoy this activity.  Try fly-fishing from a Kayak for an extra thrill!!! 

Sightseeing boats leave the Boat Harbour daily at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm to cruise on the lake and take in the Maori Carvings at Mine Bay, then cruise across the bay and back to town.  These boats range from a catamaran to a sailing yacht, so the choice is yours.

Huka Falls is a must see for all visitors to Taupo.  Some 200,000 litres of water per minute goes over the falls making a truly awesome sight.  Another way to view these falls is from a Jet boat or River boat cruise on the river. 

Craters of the Moon is a thermal area which resembles a lunar landscape.

Aratiatia Dam and Rapids.  The dam gate is opened 4 times a day in summer and 3 times daily in winter to let the water down the old Aratiatia Rapids – again quite an amazing sight.

There are many walks in the area.  The Lions Walk from the town centre to Wharewaka along the lake edge is an enjoyable walk as is the track from Spa Park to Huka Falls.  For the more energetic the view from the top of Mt. Tauhara on a clear day, is spectacular.

Also in the Huka Falls region is the Prawn Farm, Volcanic Centre and the Honey Hive.

Golf – for the enthusiasts of the game Taupo has several quality golf courses very close to the town.

Restaurants

Every culinary taste can be and is catered for by numerous restaurants in the central Taupo Township or in the nearby suburbs.  It is just an easy stroll or short drive to find a restaurant of your choice.

Further afield from Taupo

One of the must see attractions is Orakei Korako which is about a 25 minute drive north of Taupo.  This thermal wonderland is in a valley between State Highways 1 and 5 and does not draw large crowds like the thermal regions of Rotorua.  Another way to reach Orakei Korako is to take the Riverjet boat from Golden Springs upto the venue thus incorporating your jetboat experience with the Thermal one.

At the southern end of the Lake is the Trout Centre, which focuses on the breeding and releasing of Trout into the lake and rivers of the region.

Around the shores of the lake are many beautiful bays like Kinloch just 20kms from Taupo.  A beautiful quiet little settlement nestled in the bay with a recently opened Jack Nicholas designed golf course.  The drive right round the lake is 162kms and along the southwestern shoreline there are many beautiful little bays.

Just around 1.1/2 hrs drive away is the famed Tongariro National Park where many of the scenes from the Lord of The Rings films were shot.  Here again there are many lovely bush walks.  For the more adventurous the Tongariro Crossing, a 17km walk is a challenge that many take up.

Waitomo Caves are also around 1.1/2hrs drive away.  Both the Waitomo Cave and the Ruakuri Cave are well worth visits as the formation of the limestone in them is really awesome.

For the Wine buffs, Napier is only 1.3/4 hours away.  There are many boutique wineries in the region.  Napier is also well known for its Art Deco buildings. Again another comfortable day trip from Taupo.

For the more adventuresome

Taupo has Bungy jumping, Tandem skydiving, Horse Trekking, Quad Bike Riding etc.

The above gives you a small selection to what Taupo and the Central Plateau region has to offer during your stay here.