1. Nature-first mindset
Taupō moves in harmony with nature—stacked high with clean air, pristine lakes, and forest trails that locals make the most of in daily life. We’re down to earth humans who love our iconic landmarks.
Hej IKEA …
From the heart of the North Island, a warm welcome and congratulations on your arrival in NZ. Taupō—aka ‘the Sweden of New Zealand’—is down right pumped to have you here.
Please think of us as long lost family. There’s heaps to catch up on but, in the meantime, here’s a quick resumé on why you’ll want to come down to meet our friendly Taupō locals, explore our pristine natural icons and cool design scene, spot a trophy trout and sample amazing cuisine.
We’re bursting to show you around and you’re welcome any time. Just say the word and we’ll assemble a beautiful weekend packed with everything to give you a refreshing break
Taupō moves in harmony with nature—stacked high with clean air, pristine lakes, and forest trails that locals make the most of in daily life. We’re down to earth humans who love our iconic landmarks.
Like Sweden, we’re a land of cool water and hot spots. We do freshwater swims and hot pools in Taupō rather than steam rooms, but the age-old ritual of relaxing beside water runs deep.
Taupō locals and visitors bike everywhere—along easy lakeside pathways to work, cafés or out in the wild on world-class trails. Like you, we see fitness and outdoor fun as everyday essentials.
Summer days go on (almost) forever in Taupō, affording that endless-daylight feeling—just perfect for bbqs on the lakefront or paddleboarding into a magnificent sunset. And when the sun goes down, the night skies are mega clear.
Taupō has style and a quirky design ethic that ranges across cafés, boutique shops and artist galleries. Our architecture values clean lines, wood, stone and light—our Kiwi take on Scandinavian minimalism.
Renewable geothermal energy powers Taupō, just as hydropower and wind shape Sweden’s grid—both quietly proving that green living can be beautiful. And, every day our tourism operators work alongside nature, caring for people and the planet they love.
Taupō, like Sweden, feels relaxed, family-friendly and socially cohesive—where people trust each other and community matters in the spirit of tillsammans (togetherness). FYI booking.com users voted Taupō one of the friendliest towns on Earth.
We know how to fika like a Swede in Taupō with a satisfying, social coffee break. Between coffees, we love fishing and forest walks and embracing balance, reflection and the lagom idea of ‘just enough’.
Artists, makers and foodies thrive in Taupō, where dramatic seasons, incredible volcanic landscapes, amazing light and an unhurried lifestyle all help set the scene for bold design. Clever locals also turn our pristine water into award winning beer and spirits.
In winter time, the Taupō region delivers bucket loads of snow-topped beauty. Those magnificent views across Lake Taupō of the sacred triumvirate of Ruapehu, Ngāruahoe and Tongariro where geothermal steam rising through frost feels reminiscent of Swedish Lapland.
