Best Things To Do in Taupo, New Zealand

Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Taupo.

Taupo may not be as popular as other cities in New Zealand, but don’t let that fool you. Taupo is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.

You can definitely plan a few hours of a side trip here while traveling to Rotorua or Raglan. You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Taupo.

If you have plans to visit New Zealand and are not sure if Taupo should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Taupo and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.

Tourist Attractions in Taupo

Here is the list of things to do in Taupo and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Huka Falls

    4.7 (111 Votes)
    Huka Falls

    Nature

    Address: Taupo 3377, New Zealand

    Formed on the Waikato river, the Huka Falls breaks the routine city-life scenes and forms the perfect day spot for nature lovers. The Huka falls’ volume is controlled by the Control Gates Bridge (installed in 1941) that regulates the water inflow from lake Taupo. The Waikato river has nine hydro-electric power stations that use water from ...Read more
  2. Great Lake Taupo, Nz

    4.7 (15 Votes)
    Great Lake Taupo, Nz

    Lake, Nature

    Address: Tongariro St, Taupo 3330, New Zealand

    The Great Lake Taupo is one of New Zealand’s most famous tourist spots and is also the largest freshwater lake in the Australasia region. The lake is formed on a Caldera (the depressed central part of a volcano after eruption) and covers an area of 616 square kilometres- making it the largest lake by area in the country! The lake feeds the...Read more
  3. Craters Of The Moon

    4.2 (71 Votes)
    Craters Of The Moon

    Nature

    Address: 171 Karapiti Rd, Taupo 3377, New Zealand

    ‘Craters of the Moon’ is a part of the largest geothermal activity zone in New Zealand and covers an expanse of  25 square kilometres. The craters are named so since they create a rather ‘other world’ terrain- some carters are barren and some have vivid colours. These carters were formed by human activity in the area...Read more
  4. Spa Thermal Park

    Water Body, Park, Hot Spring

    Address: 281 Spa Rd, Tauhara, Taupo 3378, New Zealand

    The Spa Thermal Park is a public park in Taupo famous for Otumuheke Stream that has rejuvenating hot springs. The springs are part of the geothermal activity that are intrinsic to Taupo- including the ‘Craters of the Moon’ and the Taupo lake that has hot springs around its periphery. The Spa Park also has a walking trail about 7 kilo...Read more
  5. L'arte

    4.5 (2 Votes)
    L'arte

    Food And Drinks, Cafe

    Address: 255 Mapara Rd, Acacia Bay, 3377, New Zealand

    Located around 8 kilometres west of Taupa, the L’arte cafe has topped many tourist lists owing to its creative ambience, good food, fabulous green space and warm service. Even though it is a cafe, the theme of the pace is what sets it apart. The place is embellished with colourful interiors, unique furniture and larger-than-life art  ...Read more
  6. Taupo Museum

    4.3 (3 Votes)
    Taupo Museum

    Art Gallery, Museum, Exhibition

    Address: 4 Story Pl, Taupo 3330, New Zealand

    The Taupo Museum relives the history of Taupo with vibrant exhibitions including beautiful Maori pieces, art collections, wood carvings, vintage everyday items, nautical exhibits, and a Kiwiana caravan that dates back to the 1960’s and looks like someone just climbed stepped out of it! The museum also hosts temporary art exhibitions and sh...Read more
  7. Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley

    Valley, Nature

    Address: SH 1 (south of SH 1 & 5 intersection), Wairakei Park, Taupo, New Zealand

    The Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley offers you the setting of lush green nature with the urban pleasures of a cafe,  a children’s playground area, a Zoo, tents for campers, small cosy cottages for accommodation and warm service to complete the experience. The whole valley is filled with walkways that trekkers love, an extensive and va...Read more
  8. Waipahihi Botanical Reserve

    Botanical Garden, Nature

    Address: Hyde Ave, Waipahihi, Taupo 3330, New Zealand

    With an array of gorgeous colours waiting to greet you, a walk in the Waipahihi Botanical Gardens is not just recommended but is an absolute must for nature lovers. Located close to the Great Lake Taupo, the stunning gardens are home to a huge collection of native plants, shrubs and trees- including camellias, rhododendrons, flax, kauri and rata...Read more
  9. Kinloch Beach Image
    ©

    Beach, Nature

    Address: Kinloch Beach, Taupo, New Zealand

    Located around 20 kilometres from Taupo’s central area, the small village of Kinloch offers everything from fishing and water skiing to camping, trekking and wake boarding. The 4-kilometre stretch of the sandy beach greets the beautiful blue waters of Kawakawa Bay and the Great lake and offers a calm spot for those looking to soak up the s...Read more