22 Awesome Things to Do in Taupo, New Zealand

Welcome to Taupo, New Zealand! This lakefront town in the middle of the North Island is missed by many tourists rushing to get from Auckland to Queenstown. But it was actually one of my favourite stops on our 3 week New Zealand trip. Turns out, there are so many awesome things to do in Taupo!

Taupo – which is pronounced like “toe-paw” – is a Māori word and named for the Māori explorer who discovered Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. The town sits on the shores of Lake Taupo and is the perfect base for exploring the natural, water-based wonders nearby.

As soon as I saw a photo of the Māori rock carvings in Lake Taupo, I put Taupo on our Aotearoa (the Māori word for New Zealand) bucket list. But during my months of research, I was surprised to find the town offered so much more than a pretty lake. There are tons of things to do in Taupo and the town itself has such a nice atmosphere. It was the kind of place I could definitely see myself revisiting, if not moving to one day!

Below I’m sharing some of my favourite attractions and activities in Taupo, as well as the best Taupo accommodation and how to fit this town into your New Zealand road trip. Trust me, you won’t want to miss Taupo! 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

What is Taupo, New Zealand known for?

Taupo is most well known for its amazing trout fishing, heralded as an angler’s paradise, and water activities around Lake Taupo, like seeing the famous Māori rock carvings. But even if you’re more into eating fish than catching them, there’s lots of other things to do in Taupo. I really loved the small town feel, beautiful outdoor scenery and local shopping streets.

Sounds like a pretty awesome place to visit, right? Let’s check out 22 awesome things to do in Taupo, New Zealand! 

22 awesome things to do in Taupo

1. Visit hot pools in Taupo at Wairakei Terraces

Looking for some of the best hot pools in Taupo? Check out Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa where you can soak in natural silica pools filled with geothermal water from the local area. Wairakei is known for its idyllic location, making it the perfect scenic spot to relax. There’s also a terrace walk and spa services available.

2. Check out the coolest fast food restaurant at McDonald’s Taupo

Sure, we’ve all been to a McDonald’s before. But have you ever been to a McDonald’s inside a plane?

Branded as the coolest McDonald’s in the world, this Taupo location definitely lives up to the hype. After ordering, you can take your food into a real DC3 20-passenger plane that’s been fitted with seats and tables for diners. You can even check out the original cockpit once you down your Big Mac.

Of course, we had to visit this iconic McDonald’s on our trip to Taupo. While it was cool to see in person, I’m not a huge McDonald’s fan so we actually had our dinner elsewhere. But it’s definitely worth a walk through!

3. Eat at one of the best restaurants in Taupo

In case you don’t want to dine at McDonald’s, here are some of the best restaurants in Taupo (in my completely subjective opinion):

• The Mira Thai Restaurant: I really loved the pad thai and chicken skewers.
• Pauly’s Diner: They say they have the best burgers in Taupo and I agree! We tried the beef burger, chicken burger and kumara fries and all were delicious!
• Luna’s Gelateria: This was one of the best gelatos I’ve ever had. The passion fruit flavour was so authentic and tart with real pieces of fruit in it.
• Fast & Fresh Bakery: This place is known for their award winning pies. I will say I had better pies elsewhere in New Zealand, but this is definitely a solid choice in Taupo and frequented by locals.
• Replete Cafe: A great stop for coffee and a baked good, plus they have a really cool store next door.

Other restaurants I heard great things about but didn’t get to try include Malabar Nepalese and Indian Kitchen, Jimmy Coops, Vine Eatery, Plateau Bar, The Bistro and Victoria’s Cafe.

4. Soak in Taupo hot springs (for free!)

Spa Thermal Park is where you’ll find the Otumuheke Stream hot pools, one of the few places in Taupo where you can soak in hot springs for free! Enjoy the natural rock pools and waterfalls, but be aware of a potentially fast moving river current.

Nearby you’ll also find a walking trail to Huka Falls, biking trails and disc golf.

5. Wander around Craters of the Moon

Just five minutes from Taupo you’ll be transported to a geothermal wonderland that will make you feel like you’re wandering around the surface of the moon. Spend an hour walking along the path at Craters of the Moon, taking in the volcanic landscape and enjoying the viewpoints. Perfect for budget travellers, entrance is only $10 NZD!

Looking for more geothermal activity? Check out the best geothermal parks in Rotorua – just next door to Taupo!

6. Discover Māori carvings in Taupo

One of the must do activities in Taupo is sailing to see the Māori carvings on Lake Taupo. We went out with Sail Barbary who operate a 100% electric-powered sailboat. The ride was 2.5 hours, super smooth, scenic and eco-friendly! I’d recommend choosing a small group sail boat instead of one of the larger cruise ships.

Our skipper, Chris, taught us that 20% of the energy in New Zealand is produced in the Taupo area and that Lake Taupo is actually bigger than Singapore! They used to have a big problem with pollution in the lake but were able to restore it. Today, Lake Taupo is famous for its trout, but you can only eat what you catch – it’s illegal to buy or sell the trout.

After about an hour of sailing (on very calm waters, lucky for me!), we reached the Māori rock carvings. It was so impressive to see the carvings up close! The large carving was done in the 1980’s by a few carvers each summer. Nearby you’ll also see carvings of a lizard, a mermaid and what apparently was supposed to be one of the carver’s girlfriends!

While I booked this excursion – and our whole trip to Taupo really – just to see the Māori rock carving up close, the entire sailing experience was awesome. Even as someone who gets seasick, I loved being out on the water, learning about the area from our skipper and taking in the views. It was such a beautiful ride and the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon in Taupo – I highly recommend it!

Book your sailing trip tickets to see the Māori carvings in Taupo here!

7. Visit the Taupo Museum and Art Gallery

The Taupo Museum and Art Gallery is a cute little building that contains quite a bit of interesting info, despite it’s small size. You could see the highlights quickly or take your time reading all of the plaques and booklets. Plus, entrance is only $5!

On one side of the building is the art gallery. When we visited, there was an awesome ceramics exhibit and another room of paintings. You then pass through a traditional Māori meeting house before moving onto the rest of the museum. I really liked the caravan they had set up to show off holiday culture in New Zealand and the moa skeleton, as I became obsessed with extinct moa birds while we were in Aotearoa (they could be up to 12 feet tall!).

There’s also a diorama on Taupo’s logging history, an exhibit on volcanoes, a waka (the Māori word for canoe) from the 1800’s and a garden you can walk through. Altogether, it was a really lovely hour or two spent learning more about Taupo!

8. Go on hikes in Taupo

Stretch those legs by going on a scenic hike in the Taupo area. Popular hikes include the Huka Falls Walkway, a 3 km hike to Huka Falls which you can continue onto Aratiatia Dam, and the hike up Mt Tauhara, offering impressive views over the lake and region. There’s also Tongariro River Trail, a 4 km walking loop on the far side of Lake Taupo.

For more hikes in Taupo, check out this site.

9. Watch the Aratiatia Rapids

The Aratiatia Power Station is a hydroelectric station on the Waikato River just outside of town. Three to four times a day, the Aratiatia Dam opens and thousands of litres of water rush out, creating rapids down the river. This is a pretty spectacular thing to see and it’s free!

We went to the 2pm dam release when we were in Taupo and were totally blown away by the power of the rapids. I’d recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early so you can park, find a spot on the bridge and appreciate the beautiful valley before it fills with water. Click here to check when the dam releases and the best places to park and view the rapids.

10. Get blown away at Lava Glass (pun intended!)

On our way back from the Aratiatia Rapids, we stopped at Lava Glass, a local glassblowing studio, art gallery, sculpture garden and cafe. The glass pieces were stunning – it’s incredible to see what the Kiwi artists created, inspired by their natural landscape – but were definitely out of our price range.

You do have to pay to visit the sculpture garden and glassblowing studio (currently $12.50 NZD per person), but browsing the gallery is free so we simply browsed and then moved on. However, if you have time and budget, I’ve heard the sculpture garden is really cool.

11. Buy a sweet treat at Huka Honey Hive

Opened in 1993, Huka Honey Hive is a celebration of all things bee! Visitors can go on a self-guided indoor and outdoor tour to learn more about beekeeping and New Zealand honey, plus try free samples. Inside the large store, you’ll be overwhelmed by all of the honey products, bee facts and homemade honey ice cream.

As someone who doesn’t particularly love honey (or bees!), I didn’t think I’d enjoy Huka Honey Hive but I was wrong. I had a great time browsing through all of the products, sampling the honey and even learning about bees in the bathroom (the back of the stall door had fun bee facts!).

12. Enjoy water sports and prawns at Huka Prawn Park

One part theme park, one part prawn hatchery and one part restaurant, Huka Prawn Park really does have something for everyone. Take to the water on aqua trikes or pedal boats, shoot water cannons, go on a guided tour of the hatchery and nursery, and end your day with dinner at Taupo’s only riverside restaurant.

Note that prawn fishing is unavailable as of Sep 2023 as the park works to ensure good stock levels. Water activities, the guided tour and the restaurant are still open.

13. Witness the power of Huka Falls

You didn’t think we were done with the water-based things to do in Taupo, did you? A must-stop on your trip is the viewing platform at Huka Falls where you’ll witness 220,000 litres of water cascading down an 11 metre high waterfall every single second. The effect is some of the most powerful and beautifully blue water I have ever seen!

We simply drove up to the platform bridge for a close up look at Huka Falls but you can also go on hikes nearby to other viewpoints. Or, if you’re really brave, take a jet boat through Huka Falls!

14. Spend Sunday shopping at Market Central

Sadly, our visit to Taupo didn’t fall on a Sunday, meaning we missed the weekly Market Central. Every Sunday morning, visitors can enjoy Taupo’s farmers’ and craft market featuring over 50 local vendors. Taste local produce, check out the live entertainment, fill your belly with fresh baked goods, and head home with an armful of artisan products. Parking and entrance are free!

15. Take a photo by the #LoveTaupo sign

After all the fun you’ve been having in Taupo, you have to snap a pic by the waterfront sign declaring your love for the town! This pretty town sign offers great views of Lake Taupo and is next to a Māori sculpture display. It’s also right across the street from Taupo’s McDonald’s and other downtown restaurants and shops.

16. Float with friends on the lake

Have you always wanted to float in the middle of New Zealand’s largest lake in a donut-shaped boat? Well, it’s your lucky day! Doughboats has got you covered.

Proudly branded as “New Zealand’s only donut boats,” Doughboats offer two hour rentals of their eco-friendly boats so visitors of all ages can enjoy Lake Taupo. The boats are covered and blankets are provided, so you can hit water rain or shine. You can even head out at night as the boats boast multicoloured lights.

17. Check out downtown Taupo

As much as I loved all of the activities in Taupo, I think what really made me fall in love with this place was its downtown. I loved the cute shopping streets filled with independent shops, restaurants and parks.

Being a small town, downtown Taupo is easy to walk around. But despite its small size, there were still lots of options and cool stores to discover. I especially liked Spacecraft, a funky store with plants, clothing and home decor. Plus, all of the restaurants I listed above are within Taupo’s walkable downtown.

Visiting with your family? Don’t miss the amazing Taupo Domain Playground. I don’t have kids and haven’t been on a playground in years, but was so tempted to run around at this place because it just looked so fun! It’s also right next to the Superloo, which is an excellent (and free!) public toilet.

You know what else is free? Parking in downtown Taupo! Just check signs, as some parking spots are in time limit zones, or click here to find spots that offer free all day parking.

18. Stroll along Lake Taupo

Once you’re done strolling through downtown, keep on strolling right to the shore of Lake Taupo. The heartbeat of Taupo definitely deserves some time on your itinerary. It’s a beautiful lake with a boardwalk you can walk on and fun sights and sculptures along the way.

For pro golfers, or those feeling lucky, you can even try the Lake Taupo Hole in One Challenge: if you land a hole in one, hitting the ball from the shore to a floating pontoon on Lake Taupo 102 metres away, you win $10,000! Find out more about the challenge here.

19. Meet the pups at Timberline Racing Siberian Huskies

Dogsledding in New Zealand? Yup, it’s a thing! Head to Timberline to meet their pack of Siberian Husky racing dogs. Your two hour tour will teach you all about Siberian Huskies, let you watch a racing demonstration and give you a chance to cuddle the pups.

Note that as of Oct 2023, Google lists this activity as temporarily unavailable. Since booking is essential, visit the website before making any plans.

20. Check out geothermal activity at Orakei Korako

30 minutes from Taupo (and on the way from Rotorua) lies one of the best off the beaten track geothermal parks in the area. The experience at Orakei Korako starts with a boat ride over to the site where you’ll walk the path to see hot springs, terraces and mud pools. While smaller than some other parks in the region, Orakei Korako packs a lot of must-see, colourful sights into a small area.

21. Admire ceramics at L’Arte

Just 10 minutes out of town you’ll find L’Arte Cafe & Gallery, described as a visual and edible feast and one of the top sights in New Zealand. Wander around the magical garden, complete with a mosaic living room and ceramic flowers, check out the pottery studio, and grab a bite at the cafe.

22. Soak and stay at DeBretts Spa Resort

If you’re looking for an all-in-one spot, DeBretts might be the answer. Relax in Taupo DeBretts’ outdoor mineral pools or have some fun on their hydroslide or at the kids water playground. Follow that up with a massage or facial and a snack at the Savour Cafe.

You can even book your Taupo accommodation at DeBretts Resort. They have self-contained villas, chalets and apartments, as well as a holiday park offering camping spots, RV parking, cabins and motel rooms. This resort really seems to have it all!

Is Lake Taupo worth visiting?

Absolutely! That’s why so many of the fun things to do in Taupo feature the lake. No visit to Taupo is complete without getting on the water of Lake Taupo – or at least admiring the lake from the shore. Lake Taupo is where you’ll find the famous Māori carvings, which you’ll definitely want to see when you’re in New Zealand.

How many days do you need in Taupo, New Zealand?

I would say 2-3 days is perfect for a visit to Taupo, New Zealand. You won’t run out of things to do but you also won’t have to travel long distances, since Taupo is pretty small. We spent two nights in Taupo and that felt like a good amount of time, though one more night would have helped us cross more off our Taupo to do list!

How to get to Taupo

Taupo is centrally located on the North Island of Aotearoa and an easy addition to any New Zealand road trip. The best way to get to Taupo is by car, though there are also bus options. Not only is driving to and around Taupo convenient and easy, but there’s also lots of free parking!

When you book your New Zealand rental car online, I recommend booking with Discover Cars. We used them for our first trip to New Zealand in April 2023 and it saved us hundreds of dollars compared to competitors – plus full coverage insurance was really affordable!

Here’s how to get to Taupo:

Auckland to Taupo

The drive from Auckland to Taupo is just over three hours, driving south down State Highway 1. Alternatively, you can take an Intercity bus and get from there in five hours.

Hamilton to Taupo

Hamilton to Taupo is a two hour drive, following the same SH1 route as you would out of Auckland, or a 2.5 hour bus ride with Intercity. On our trip, we drove from Taupo to Auckland with a stop in Hamilton to visit the Hamilton Gardens, which was a really convenient (and beautiful!) stop.

Rotorua to Taupo

To get from Rotorua to Taupo only takes one hour by car or just over an hour by Intercity bus. This was the route we took to Taupo and it was an easy drive, plus we got to stop at a few geothermal parks on the way!

PS: If you’re visiting Rotorua before or after Taupo, don’t miss 28 of the best things to do in Rotorua including hot pools, tree walks and Māori feasts!

Wellington to Taupo

If you’re coming from the south, the drive from Wellington to Taupo will take about five hours. The Intercity bus from Taupo to Wellington takes six hours.

Taupo accommodation: Where to stay in Taupo, New Zealand

When it comes to Taupo accommodation, you’ll have lots of choice from camping in Taupo in your RV to something more high end, like Sacred Waters Taupo Luxury Apartments. There are lots of small boutique hotels and motels too located around the downtown core.

We stayed at the Barrington Motel, a small motel that was only a few minutes’ drive from downtown. They offered a nice little room with ensuite bathroom, a communal outdoor eating area and free parking. We paid $165 NZD per night for a stay in April 2023, which was about the average cost of accommodation in our New Zealand budget.

Note: The wifi at Barrington Motel wasn’t super fast, but it was fast enough to check email and post on social media.

Find your perfect Taupo accommodation here: 

Wrapping up: Enjoy all the things to do in Taupo

So, have I convinced you to put Taupo on your New Zealand bucket list? With so many things to do in Taupo to keep you busy no matter your interests or budget, I hope you’ll be adding Taupo to your trip. I loved that there were so many activities in Taupo but it was still a manageable size for exploring and had a charming small town vibe.

One of the things I enjoyed most about my time in Taupo was seeing how it was a place created with both visitors and locals in mind. There’s lots to do, but it doesn’t feel over touristed. It truly was one of my favourite stops in Aotearoa and I can’t wait to revisit!

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