Our Taupō stories

Summer tee time on the Taupō Big Three

As summer settles over the lake, Taupō’s fairways come into their own. Taupō ‘Big Three’ deliver three very different rounds, each shaping the region’s reputation as one of New Zealand’s great summer golf destinations.

Life, art and a ceramic addiction

By the time Ross Palmer discovered ceramics, he had already explored welding, ballet, photography and interior design.

A Taupo café that’s Replete in every way

Three decades of quiet rebellion have made Replete a Taupō landmark. In an industry obsessed with reinvention, owners Chris and Kathy Johnston have done the opposite: ignored trends and instead focused on genuine connections to build something enduring.

Insider’s Guide to making summer magic around Lake Taupō

Magic at any time of the year, Lake Taupō is a magnet in summer when long, lazy days offer up endless potential for holiday play. Here’s our latest list of (some of) the newest and old favourite ways to make summer magic while you make most of the best Taupō weather.

Meet Taupo the Sweden of New Zealand

Taupō is compared to the “Sweden of New Zealand” for its clean, calm natural landscapes, sustainable lifestyle, love of the outdoors, stylish design culture, and welcoming, feel-good atmosphere that blends wellness, adventure, and simplicity.

Southern Beaches of Taupo

South of Taupō town, where State Highway 1 hugs the lake, life slows to a lakeside pace. It’s all calm water, dappled-pohutukawa shade, and—when the holiday season arrives—long summer days that drift from swim to barbecue without a schedule.

Chasing Waterfalls

From the thunder of Huka Falls to the gentle meander of gin-clear streams hidden deep in the backcountry bush, the landscape around Taupō flows with H2O energy. It’s everywhere—you’ll hear it before you see it: a low roar beyond the pines, mist hanging in the air, that sudden moment when the forest opens and the river reveals itself. There’s no shortage around these parts. It’s always on the move, and when it finally tumbles off a ledge on its journey, we all stop to admire it. Because, let’s be honest, everyone loves a waterfall.

Home of Middle Earth's Mordor

With its lava-scarred peaks and smouldering craters, Tongariro National Park makes Middle-earth feel real, with landscapes every bit as epic as The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Insider’s Guide Experience Tūrangi

Luxury Lodges

Famous faces—from royalty and statesmen to sports heroes, acclaimed writers, stars of stage and screen—regularly slip in and out of Taupō with little or no fanfare.

How to score a perfect round of Taupō golfing highlights

A hit list of the best 18 holes from around Taupō. A virtual golfing Mecca, Taupō has a bucket list of golfing highlights from top championship courses, Wairākei Golf + Sanctuary and the Kinloch Club the local golf clubs at Taupō, Tūrangi, Reporoa and Mangakino.

Holiday adventures for kids around Taupō

Summer holiday checklist for young explorers Let the kids take the lead and get into the flow on their own Taupō adventures these holidays — while grown-ups take a well-deserved break. From earning bragging rights by snaring wily trout to taking the plunge from thrilling heights, here’s how to have an epic Taupō family holiday.

Go with the flow How to reconnect with your mind, body and soul in Taupō this summer

There’s something about Taupō that invites you to take a slow breath in, then deeply exhale.

Go with the flow how to achieve maximum relaxation in Taupo this summer

When summer rolls into Taupō, there’s really only one thing to do — go with the flow. With its sun-soaked shores, crystal-clear waters, and endless ways to unwind, Taupō is the ultimate place to reset, recharge, and reconnect with the simple joy of doing… well, not much at all.

What’s new in Taupō for Spring and Summer

As spring lengthens and warms our days, then end of year approaches and summer holidays near, we celebrate sensational new operators and offerings that have sprung up around Taupō.

Deckhand to helm: Tahlia finds her happy place on Lake Taupo

Meet Taupō local Tahlia Pook — skipper at Chris Jolly Outdoors, boat tour operators on Lake Taupō. One of New Zealand’s youngest skippers, Tahlia shows off beautiful Lake Taupō to visitors from around the world.

Fly Fishing Capital of the World

Set at the southern edge of Lake Taupō, Tūrangi is the Fly-Fishing Capital of the World — where alpine waters, wild trout, and deep tradition meet. On the legendary Tongariro River, every cast tells a story, connecting generations of anglers to the rhythm of this remarkable place. Whether you’re a seasoned fisher or a curious first-timer, Tūrangi invites you to slow down, listen to the water, and experience the heart of New Zealand fly-fishing.

The Desert Road: The Road Between Worlds

Part journey, part pilgrimage — the Desert Road south of Tūrangi is a road like no other in New Zealand. They call it the Desert Road, but it’s not the kind of desert you might expect. Here, instead of dunes and dust, you’ll find a sweep of golden tussock stretching toward snow-capped peaks, a road that cuts through the heart of the Central Plateau with the mountains standing watch

A taste of Paris in Taupō at French Market

Nestled in the heart of Taupō, the French Market brings the charm of Paris to the lakeside town. With authentic French pastries, artisan breads, cheeses, and a bustling community vibe, it offers locals and visitors a slice of European culture. Created by passionate locals, the market celebrates quality, connection, and simple pleasures—like a fresh croissant enjoyed beside the lake. It's not just a market; it's a warm, weekly ritual that captures the essence of Taupō’s relaxed lifestyle with a French twist.

Jules Stokes on family snow days at Whakapapa Ski Area

Whakapapa Ski Area is more than just a ski field—it’s a place where families come to learn, laugh, and make the most of winter. Whether you're riding your first chairlift or chasing lines down the Pinnacles, there's something for everyone. We spoke to National Park local and passionate snowboarder Jules Stokes about making the most of snow season—especially if you’ve got kids in tow.

Whakapapa: Where the mountain never sleeps

Up here, the seasons don’t stop — they simply change colour. Perched on the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, Whakapapa is New Zealand’s most accessible mountain experience, where visitors trade snow boots for hiking shoes and gondola rides for summer views that stretch across the Central Plateau.

Tongariro National Park: world-class hiking and geological drama

Few places on Earth offer world-class hiking amid raw geological drama like Tongariro National Park.

100 percent Pure New Zealand Taupō mural

Street art is a big thing in Taupō, so it’s no surprise that this place is one-hundred-percent proud to host the 100% Love Taupō mural. You’ll find it in a narrow laneway, close to the lakefront. Big and beautiful, uniquely Taupō and a world-first in its way — a giant love letter to the Taupō region.

Meet Taupo artist Gemma Clough

Taupō artist and designer Gemma Clough created the new downtown mural blending local landscapes, wildlife, and lake-mountain views into the Love Taupō wordmark. She says the project was physically demanding but rewarding, reflecting her passion for art and pride in Taupō’s creative community.

Fleur for fun food and festivals

The story behind the Treats of Taupō food festival: 20 - 28 September 2025 in town and around the Taupō region.

Escape to Taupō for an epic romantic break

Sneak away to Taupō for a romantic interlude set to epic views. It’s all here: romantic stays, fine eateries for unhurried dinners, vibrant sunsets and clear starry nights, snow-capped peaks and your fill of adventures across dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Make it up in Taupo Make fun, memories, romance

Longing to put the romance back into your life? Looking for somewhere to take a break with your significant other where you can truly focus on each other?

A 500 year vision is restoring the Cloak of Tauhara

Environmental engineer and Ngāti Tūwharetoa leader Jan Hania shares the vision to restore Tauhara Maunga and reconnect people, culture, and biodiversity in the heart of Taupō.

Take off on a 4-day 3-night break from the city

Trade city streets for volcanic peaks, steaming geothermal wonders, and lakeside wanders. Wide open spaces provide the backdrop for all-you-can-dream-of outdoors activities and our welcoming little town is chock full of cosy, hospitable spaces for those essential indoor pleasures. Fly in or come down gently as you drive in to catch a welcome break in Taupō.

cuisine queen olivia moore

Taupō’s Olivia Moore, 22, has turned her love of food into a thriving career as a photographer, recipe developer, and author. At just 15, her gourmet food brand Top That beat 900 competitors to claim runner-up twice in the national Young Enterprise Scheme.

Power up and pedal Taupo by e-bike

Taupō was built for exploring on two wheels. From lakeside paths and forest flow trails to all-day adventures into volcanic landscapes, there’s a ride here for every kind of cyclist — and these days, that includes the e-bike crowd. Whether you’re chasing new scenery, easing into cycling, or just want to go further with less puff, Taupō’s e-bike-friendly trails make it easy to plug in and play.

20 quirky ways to experience Taupo

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.

Winter fishing rituals on the rivers of Taupō

Expert angler Bevan Edwards talks about what keeps him coming to Taupō, and some tips for newer anglers fishing during winter and spring.

An ABC to Taupō: Adventure, Beauty, Cruise

Here’s our mini ABC to Taupō: A is for Awesome adventures, B is for Breathtaking beauty, C is for Carefree cruising and where to find your natural comfort zone.

Tāne Lawless artist and conservationist

In Taupō, nature and art meet through the quiet strength of Tāne Lawless—a conservationist, artist, and storyteller. At the foot of Mt Tauhara, Tāne cares for rare native birds while in town his many street murals celebrate New Zealand’s natural heritage.

Taupo Digital Detox - Fishing Weekend

Trade screens for streams and let Taupō’s rivers reset your rhythm. This is where the Wi-Fi fades and the wild takes over. Float, fish, and feel the quiet—your digital detox starts with a single cast.

Taupo water state — drift, dive, discover

Taupō’s water is more than scenery—it’s a feeling. Drift, dive, and discover a place shaped by nature and spirit.

One of earth's most welcoming cities

In Taupō, it’s not just the views—it’s the feeling. Named one of the world’s most welcoming cities in 2025, this lakeside gem blends natural beauty with genuine warmth. Here’s why your next journey might just start with a smile.

Spring flows, blue ducks, a river reborn

From rafting the rapids to restoring a species, Garth Oakden’s journey on the Tongariro River proves that local action can lead to national impact — and that conservation, like whitewater, is best tackled head-on.

Taupo time out — 3Rs for adults

Let Taupō gently guide you into a world of fresh air and wide horizons. Your perfect escape unfolds with each peaceful breath, where geothermal whispers and lakeside calm invite you to slow down—and simply be.