Must-Visit Places and Attractions in Taupo, New Zealand 2026

Q: What is Taupo best known for?

Taupo is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, geothermal wonders, and a plethora of outdoor adventure activities. It's a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Q: When is the best time to visit Taupo?

The ideal time to explore Taupo is during the summer months, from December to February. The weather is pleasantly warm, making it perfect for enjoying the great outdoors.

Q: Where should tourists stay in Taupo?

For a convenient and enjoyable stay, tourists should consider accommodations in the Taupo CBD area. This location offers easy access to local attractions, dining options, and shopping.

Q: What activities are recommended for families in Taupo?

Families visiting Taupo can have a fantastic time at the AC Baths swimming complex, explore the Taupo Museum, or enjoy a scenic cruise on the beautiful Lake Taupo.

Q: Is Taupo suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely! Taupo is a fantastic destination for solo travelers. It offers a safe environment and a variety of activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring geothermal sites, perfect for independent exploration.

Q: What are the accommodation options in Taupo?

Taupo provides a diverse range of accommodation options, from luxurious lodges and lakeside hotels to cozy motels and holiday homes, catering to every traveler's preference.

Q: What family-friendly activities are available in Taupo?

Taupo is a family-friendly destination with attractions like one of the country's best children's playgrounds and numerous activities around the lake that are perfect for families.

Taupo is a humble city situated on the shore of a majestic and serene lake. It’s a popular as a summer getaway and one of the prime destinations for tourists looking for nature getaways in New Zealand.

It’s famous for its geothermal activities and its many hot springs, like the Craters of the Moon and the Orakei Korako. It’s also home to manmade wonders like the 2900km Kaingaroa Forest and the mysterious Māori Rock Carvings in the Mine Bay Area of Lake Taupo. You’ll also find a variety of unique cafés as you walk its peaceful streets and you can even play golf.

Taupo is all about relaxation and is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to mellow out.

Explore Taupo

Things to do

Hotels

Top things to do in Taupo

See 13 things to do in Taupo

Water activities • Taupo

Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride Experience

English guided

Up to 3 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for today

Instant confirmation

★ 4.8 (122) • 2K+ booked

NT$ 2,714

Cruises • Taupo

Daily Scenic Lake Taupō Cruise to Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings

English guided

Up to 3 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for today

Instant confirmation

★ 4.7 (50) • 1K+ booked

NT$ 1,075

Outdoor & sports activities • Taupo

Taupo Tandem Skydiving

English guided

Morning departure

Up to 3 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for today

Instant confirmation

★ 5.0 (11) • 300+ booked

From NT$ 5,993

Water activities • Taupo

Kindred Spirit-Māori Rock Carvings Classical Sailing Boat Experience

English guided

Morning departure

Up to 3 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for today

Instant confirmation

★ 4.6 (14) • 400+ booked

From NT$ 1,075

Tours • From Auckland

Tongariro Alpine Crossing From Auckland Tour

Private tour

English guided

Private group

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

NT$ 27,325

Water activities • Taupo

Māori Rock Carvings Taupo - Luxury Sailing Catamaran Tiua

English guided

Morning departure

Up to 3 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for today

Instant confirmation

★ 5.0 (2) • 100+ booked

From NT$ 1,257

Tours • From Rotorua District

Waiotapu or Orakei Korako with Taupo Tour

Book now for tomorrow

English guided

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

★ 4.5 (2)

NT$ 5,283

Water activities • Taupo

The Rapids Jet Experience in Taupo

English guided

Up to 3 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for today

Instant confirmation

100+ booked

NT$ 2,824

Tours • From Auckland

Auckland 2-Day Small Group Tour: Hobbiton, Waitomo & Rotorua

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

NT$ 15,466

Water activities • Taupo

Taupo Parasail Experience

English guided

Morning departure

Up to 3 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for today

Instant confirmation

From NT$ 2,532

Outdoor & sports activities • Taupo

Taupo Bungy Jump and Extreme Swing by AJ Hackett

English guided

Up to 3 hrs

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

★ 5.0 (9) • 200+ booked

From NT$ 4,372

Tours • Rotorua District

Rotorua to Auckland via Taupo & Hamilton Gardens (One-Way) Small Group Tour

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

NT$ 5,629

Hotels in Taupo

See 80 hotels in Taupo

Hotels • Taupo

Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

Instant confirmation

★ 4.4 (964)

From NT$ 1,692

Hotels • Taupo

Wairakei Resort Taupo

Instant confirmation

★ 3.9 (958)

From NT$ 2,489

Hotels • Taupo

Silver Fern Lodge

Instant confirmation

★ 3.9 (704)

From NT$ 1,418

Hotels • Taupo

Grandeur Thermal Spa Resort

Instant confirmation

★ 3.5 (511)

From NT$ 1,538

Hotels • Taupo

Turangi Bridge Motel

Instant confirmation

★ 4.1 (470)

From NT$ 2,552

Hotels • Taupo

Lakefront Lodge Taupo

Instant confirmation

★ 3.7 (761)

From NT$ 1,861

Hotels • Taupo

Acacia Lake View Motel

Instant confirmation

★ 4.5 (442)

From NT$ 3,791

Hotels • Taupo

Ika Nui Taupo

Instant confirmation

★ 4.5 (274)

From NT$ 2,831

Hotels • Taupo

Lakeland Resort Taupo

Instant confirmation

★ 4.0 (957)

From NT$ 3,059

Hotels • Taupo

The Village Resort

Instant confirmation

★ 4.6 (311)

From NT$ 5,767

Hotels • Taupo

Bella Vista Taupo

Instant confirmation

★ 4.5 (525)

From NT$ 3,129

Hotels • Taupo

Central Inn Taupo

Instant confirmation

★ 4.2 (46)

From NT$ 2,644

7 Best Places to go Jet Boating in Queenstown, Taupo, and Auckland

Things to do

Klook ANZ

Klook User

2025-11-06 07:42:43

Fantastic 5.0

Seamless experience checking in, getting our life jackets, taking our photo and getting on the boat. Our guide was phenomenal, funny, great tricks and took us as close to Hukka Falls which was amazing to see so close.

Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride Experience

Constance ***********

2025-12-18 03:32:07

Fantastic 5.0

instructor: Travis Funnell was friendly and made me feel at ease while jumping with him! safety: it wasn’t my first time skydiving but they are super safe! lots of checks in place and even have an oxygen mask as you go higher up in altitude experience: 10/10. would do it again in a heartbeat!

Taupo Tandem Skydiving

Jeong *******

2026-01-02 22:26:23

Fantastic 5.0

Nice relaxing activity...the boat is mostly covered so it would be fine even on a rainy day or cold day. They don't crowd the boat so it was a comfortable ride.

Daily Scenic Lake Taupō Cruise to Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings

Klook User

2026-01-11 12:18:28

Fantastic 5.0

a beautiful vessel with wonderful crew. the trip was so peaceful but once we got to the carvings it was a whole other level. the art was fantastic. also got an opportunity to swim in the beautiful fresh water of Lake Taupo, jump off the bow and roof of the catermaran

Māori Rock Carvings Taupo - Luxury Sailing Catamaran Tiua

Umi ********************

2025-08-01 08:22:27

Fantastic 5.0

love it. very nice people and informative and always prepared drinks to warm us up in winter! The ride itself was comfortable and easy.

Kindred Spirit-Māori Rock Carvings Classical Sailing Boat Experience

Sheryl ******

2025-09-26 01:27:02

Fantastic 5.0

Lovely clean room that had everything we needed for a few days away. Very friendly staff and it was so nice having the hot pools there. You do have to pay separately for the pools (and extra again for the slides) but it wasn't too much and it was good to be able to come and go during the day.

Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

Local weather

℉℃

DEC - APR
23°7°
Summer
JUN - AUG
12°2°
Winter

General info

Time zone
GMT +12:00
No time difference
Currency
New Zealand Dollar
1TWD = 0.05NZD
Official languages
English
Recommended trip duration
3 days
Flight time
1 hours
When departing from Auckland

Taupo

Top things to do in Taupo

Hotels in Taupo

Taupo travel guide

Reviews of Taupo activities

Quick facts about Taupo

Local weather

Time zone

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Recommended trip duration

Flight time

FAQs about Taupo

What is Taupo best known for?

When is the best time to visit Taupo?

Where should tourists stay in Taupo?

What activities are recommended for families in Taupo?

Is Taupo suitable for solo travelers?

What are the accommodation options in Taupo?

What family-friendly activities are available in Taupo?

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