Taupō

Home of Adventures, Vistas and Trout Fishing!

Situated near the centre of North Island, Taupo is perched on the banks of Lake Taupo, which sits on the caldera of the Taupo volcano. The lake sits inside a crater created by a massive volcanic eruption that was so large that the amount of ash released into the air caused the skies in Europe and China to darken and lowered the global temperatures.

Places to go

Perfect Destinations In Taupō

Huka Falls

The Huka Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Taupo, New Zealand and you will hear the falls before you see it. ‘Huka’ translates to ‘foam’ in Maori and almost a quarter of a million litres of water erupt per second and barrel over this 11m high waterfall into the Waikato River below. The continuous, endless torrent is caused by the Waikato River which is about 100m wide but is forced to narrow to 15m wide. The flow pressure increases and water bursts out as the gorge ends.

Craters of the Moon

Craters of the moon is a geothermal walk with lunar landscapes in Taupo, New Zealand. Visitors can view thermal activity like steam vents, bubbling mud pools, bubbling craters, thermal pools and colourful soils. The area emerged around the 1950s when a power plant lowered underground water pressure levels resulting in superheated water rising through vents. There are many pathways and elevated viewing positions to observe the geothermal activity. You can also view interesting plants that have learned to grow and thrive in these conditions.

Aratiatia Dam & Rapids

The Aratiatia Rapids are formed when thousands of litres of water are released from the Aratiatia dam into the Waikato River and the powerful flow through a narrow gorge creates a spectacular sight. The gates are opened a few times each day and are closed about 30 minutes later and the water resumes to a placid stream. Visitors can view the transition and marvel at the powerful force of nature by arriving a few minutes before the dam is due to release. The natural drop in the river is harnessed for hydroelectric power and there are many vantage points to watch this phenomenon.

Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings

The Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings are one of New Zealand’s most unique contemporary works of art located on Lake Taupo. Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell carved these 33 feet high Maori designs in the late 1970s. He marked his ten-year training period with Maori elders with this significant carving which took four summers to finish. The rock carvings are only accessible by boat and you can take a sailing boat, scenic cruise, or go on a kayaking trip from Taupo Harbour.

Wairakei Thermal Valley

Wairakei Thermal Valley is located in Taupo, New Zealand and is an ancient active geothermal location. It features many mud pools, silica formations, hot springs, geysers and geothermal vents. You can pamper yourself in the hot springs surrounded by lush green nature as well as rare and endangered plants. The area also features an abundance of native wildlife and farm animals like sheep, hens, fowls and alpacas. Visitors can also spot peacocks and the place is a popular bird-watching site.

Spa Thermal Park

The Spa Thermal Park and Recreational Reserve is a public park in Taupo, New Zealand and is famous for rejuvenating hot springs. The springs are part of the geothermal activity famous in the area and the Otumuheke Stream has piping hot geothermal water with the benefits of sulphur. The stream combines with the Waikato River and has calming pools for visitors to immerse themselves. You can soak in and enjoy the deep-green, crystal-clear waters of the river with greenery all around you.

Huka Falls Walkway

Huka Falls is a powerful display of water cascading down 11m into a turbulent pool below. You can create a build-up to this spectacular sight by taking the trail from Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls. It is rated as an easy track and takes 2 hours (round trip) to complete and is 6km long. The walk begins in a very tranquil setting and you will pass native forest, native birds and emerge alongside the river. You will hear the Huka Falls before you see them.

Whakaipo Bay

Whakaipo Bay is a beautiful bay about 10km from central Taupo. It is a great spot run by the Department of Conservation for camping in self-contained vehicles in farm park surroundings and native bush. Camping is allowed for four consecutive days only. The road beginning from Mapara road is unpaved for 2km but still very accessible by car and motorhomes. This hidden gem has crystal clear waters and is very safe for swimming. You can also go sunbathing, kayaking, boating, or enjoy a picnic with picturesque views.

Otumuheke Stream

Otumuheke Stream is Taupo’s free, hot water heaven and bathers can immerse themselves in healing mineral water. You can take in the clear green waters of the stunning Waikato River which is New Zealand’s longest river. The Otumuheke Stream flows through native bush and drops down into a couple of small waterfalls. It fills the pools below with healing warm water and then eases into the Waikato River.

Taupo Tandem Skydiving

Taupo Tandem Skydiving is located on the shores of the gorgeous Lake Taupo in the Central North Island of New Zealand. This is the country’s original tandem drop zone and they have jumped over 200,000 people. The adventure begins with a scenic flight across the central plateau and passes the largest lake in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Taupo. The flight also overlooks the mountains of Tongariro National Park and beautiful snow-capped volcanoes.