1. Watch live glassblowing
Step inside the glowing, molten world of Lava Glass, where you can watch artists shape colourful pieces before your eyes. It's mesmerising, fiery and full of one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Taupō does things differently. Play a round of golf in a kiwi sanctuary, skipper a doughnut-shaped boat across the lake, or drift in kayaks as the sun rises on Lake Taupō. For travellers who like their adventures a little off-centre, here are 20 quirky ways to experience this laid-back lakeside town.
Step inside the glowing, molten world of Lava Glass, where you can watch artists shape colourful pieces before your eyes. It's mesmerising, fiery and full of one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Locals will know what you mean when you say That Taupō Tree — a lone tree standing picture-perfect in the lake, with mountains beyond. It’s not as famous as the Wanaka tree, but it’s just as photogenic and way less crowded.
At Huka Prawn Park, you can do more than eat prawns — you can paddleboard through nearby pools, ride on a giant swan boat or catch your dinner. It’s part theme park, part dinner plate.
Got a strong swing and good aim? At the Lake Taupō Hole in One Challenge, you’ll be hitting golf balls toward a floating pontoon in the lake. Land one in the hole and you could win $10,000. Miss? At least you’ve got the best view in golf.
Crater hikes might not sound quirky—until you realise you’re walking across ancient explosion sites that once rocked the North Island. Tongariro National Park is a dramatic, otherworldly landscape just a 90-minute drive from town.
At the Tongariro National Trout Centre, little ones can learn to fish, then get their trout smoked on site for a fresh-as-it-gets lunch. Educational, tasty and surprisingly fun even if you're not usually an angler.
Ever wanted to captain a floating pastry? Doughboats are doughnut-shaped electric boats—no boating license needed. Just nominate a skipper and cruise around the shoreline at your own pace.
Hire a kayak and glide past deserted shorelines to the remarkable Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings—be brave with a post-paddle plunge into the crisp lake!
Hidden in plain sight, the naturally heated pools at Spa Thermal Park are a local favourite. Hot water tumbles over rocks into the river, creating a magical spot to soak, surrounded by native bush. It's the perfect blend of wild and cosy.
Taupō streets are an open-air gallery thanks to the annual Graffiato festival. Pick up a map and wander off the beaten path to find enormous murals hiding in laneways and alleys—you'll probably find a quirky café or boutique along the way, too.
Ōrakei Kōrako feels like another planet—steaming ground, bubbling mud, and silica terraces galore. A ferry ride takes you to New Zealand’s only thermal cave, where you can peer inside a steamy underground world few get to experience.
Sweet tooth? Head to Huka Honey Hive to watch bees hard at work and sample the rewards for free. From clover to manuka, this quirky spot is a buzz-worthy detour.
Fancy a round of golf surrounded by native birds instead of bunkers? At Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, the course mixes birdlife and birdies—takahē and tui included—to keep you company while you putt.
Three times a day (with a bonus showing in summer), Aratiatia Dam releases water into a dry gorge, and the transformation is wild. In minutes, a narrow rocky valley becomes a rushing river—feel the raw power of nature.
At Atea, a creative cultural space in town, a massive ancient totara tree holds dozens of hand-carved animals and symbols for everyone to hunt.
Taupō’s newest—slightly polarising—silver dinosaur sculpture looms over the northern entrance to town. It’s bold, cheeky and impossible to miss.
Right in town, Taharepa Baths offer a free thermal experience for your feet. Just find a warm patch of sand and let nature do its thing.
In nearby Tūrangi, trout fishing is practically a religion. Even if you've never held a rod, local guides will show you the ropes of fly fishing. It's all about technique, patience, and maybe a little bit of luck—plus, you get to hang out in some of the most scenic river spots in the world. Don’t forget your fishing license!
At Craters Mountain Bike Park, volcanic pumice keeps the trails grippy no matter the weather. With more than 60vkm of tracks weaving through pine forests and native bush, there’s something for every level—from cruisy circuits to white-knuckle descents.
‘The Squeeze’ is part thrill ride, part nature escape. It starts with a kayak up the Waikato River before you wade into a hidden valley. The real fun begins when you shimmy through narrow rock gaps to reach a secret hot spring under a waterfall.
