Located on New Zealand's North Island, Taupo is a holiday destination that offers something for everyone. Experience skiing on a volcano, catching trout, swimming in a clear lake, walking in native bush, jet boating or simply soaking in a geothermal pool.
Getting in and around Taupo
Taupo Airport
Located only eight kilometres from the town centre, the airport handles daily flights operated by Air New Zealand to and from Auckland.
Taupo Transport
Prefer to drive and take in the scenery? Great choice. This stunning lakeside town is easy to find and only a few hours from Auckland or Wellington. If you prefer to sit back, relax and take in the scenery by coach, there are regular scheduled coach services available.
Taupo Car Hire
Hiring a car in Taupo is easy to do. You will find car rental companies across the town.
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Taupo accommodation
Taupo is truly a place that you will want to stop and stay for a few days, and you can experience hospitality and accommodation ranging from backpacker hostels to luxurious lodges.
Luxury
Huka Lodge offers elegance, luxury and natural beauty.
Hilton Lake Taupo is perfectly situated within minutes of the town centre and airport, with views overlooking the magnificent Lake Taupo and the volcanic mountains beyond.Tongariro Lodge is one of the worlds greatest fishing lodges, located on the banks of Tongariro River. Experience fine accommodation and gourmet dining. Also popular corporate or wedding retreat.
Huka Lodge Offering elagance and luxury this lodge is just what you are looking for.
Mid-range
Wairakei Resort has the utmost standard when it comes to comfort. There are plenty of leisure activities to keep you busy, even an onsite spa.
Tongariro Lodge is one of the country's most iconic fishing lodges, located on the banks of Tongariro River. Experience fine accommodation and gourmet dining. Also a popular corporate or wedding retreat. Copthorne Hotel is perfectly situated within minutes of the town centre and airport, with a restaurant overlooking the magnificent Lake Taupo and the volcanic mountains beyond.
Wairakei Resort has the utmost standard of comfort for all levels of accommodation. Wairakei Resorts 169 acres surround a fantastic variety of recreation and relaxation facilities such as a 9-hole golf course, 2 outdoor heated pools, 6 spa pools, two floodlit tennis courts, onsite beauty and massage therapy clinic, gym, sauna and squash courts.
Budget
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort is perfect for those wanting to keep to a budget without missing out on quality. There are a range of accommodation options available including cabins, motel rooms and studios, deluxe family units and even motorhome and camping sites. Astro Motel is a new concept of compact accommodation, offering a wide range of 20 affordable rooms/units in new clean facilities ranging from self-contained units sleeping 2-4, twin and single studios and two 6 beds dorm rooms with own bathroom.
Base Taupo was designed with the traveller in mind, boasting an ideal location right in the centre of town, superior facilities, comfy beds and great value for money.
Backpackers
Based By The Lake Taupo was designed with the traveller in mind, boasting an ideal location right in the centre of town.
Finlay Jack's is located close to the lakefront and the city. This purpose-built backpackers offers private rooms, dorm rooms and even pods. YHA Taupo Located just 3 blocks back from the lakefront, bus station, bars and cafes, this purpose built back packers offers private rooms, ensuite rooms, shared rooms and tent sites.
Taupo Urban Retreat Centrally located, only a block and a half away from the lakefront, bars, cafes and restaurants and facilities like supermarket, shops, bus station, etc.
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Things to do in Taupo
Taupo Museum is home of the Pure Ora Garden (Garden of Wellbeing) which won gold at the Chelsea Flower Show.
Huka Prawn Park provides an interesting insight into the life of the prawn. Enjoy fun and relaxing activities or dine on home grown prawns in the amazing riverside restaurant.
Taupo Jet-boating is another fun-filled family experience with giddying spins and high speed adrenaline rushes while setting your eyes on some of the most beautiful landscapes from the Waikato River.
Taupo Bungy. Take the plunge just minutes from town in the Waikato River Valley.
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Day trips in and around Taupo
Huka Falls is just five kilometres North of Taupo and is New Zealand's most visited natural attraction.
AC Baths. Whatever the weather, this is a fun place for the whole family. Take a dip in the thermally heated pools, relax in the indoor/outdoor pool or ride the hydroslides.
Trout Fishing is great all year round. Book a fly-fishing guide and they will have you hooked up with a fish on your first day.
Guided Treks. Be informed of the culture, history, flora and fauna by taking a guided tour through this region.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, about an hour from Taupo, is a 19.4 kilometre, seven to eight hour day journey and a must-experience while visiting Tongariro National Park during summer or spring.
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