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

Whether you’re looking for fresh air in abundance, a chance to stretch your legs at your own pace, soaking your cares away in natural hot pools, or watching the world go by while savouring barista-perfected coffee, Taupō delivers in dollops. 

Take it easy today as you cruise into town under your own steam or grab a rental car (or taxi) at the airport—it’s a scenic 10-minute drive along the shoreline into the heart of this welcoming lakeside town. 

Kick off your adventures with a stroll through colourful laneways, where vibrant street art and the scent of freshly brewed coffee set the scene. Then, wander down to the lakefront precinct Te Ātea, to a 2,000-year-old tōtara tree wrapped in intricate carvings of ancient legends. Take some time to admire the carvings, unravel some of the stories and heritage that this spectacular meeting place represents.

Out on the water, bright parasails drift past, electric doughnut-shaped boats cruise by with newly minted captains enjoying pizza and music, and the town’s iconic floatplane circles lazily above, all framed by the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park on the horizon.

Whether you want to go casual or fine dining, Taupō delivers plenty of choices on both counts. Around the lakefront, there’s a great choice of welcoming eateries. Check out Jimmy Coops (burgers and beer with an uber-local story) or Lionel’s (a cosy, all-day eatery with great food and views to go with that).

At Taupō, the thrill of the catch is never far away, and the marina—close by on the mouth of the great Waikato River—offers plenty of ways to snag a wily trout for dinner. Book a tour with seasoned fishing locals or skip dangling a fishing line and simply enjoy the scenery on a scenic cruise.  

If you’re keen to see the lake from another perspective, you could hire kayaks to visit the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings. Or head inland for a quirky paddleboarding session in a prawn-themed adventure park — you can lunch there before or after.

See the sights on foot or on two wheels by hiring bikes to explore easy pathways winding past secluded coves and along trails built by passionate locals. Head out alongside the Waikato River towards Huka Falls, or follow the lake edge meandering out to Five Mile Bay with an optional coffee or woodfired pizza break at the 2 Mile Bay Yacht Club. 

Prefer a shorter stroll? Explore ancient forests formed after past volcanic eruptions on nature walks. Or, go for a summit-worthy challenge, conquer Mount Tauhara and soak in jaw-dropping views over Lake Taupō at sunset.

By now you’ve worked up a decent hunger and earned the right to indulge your tastebuds. Book yourselves in for an exceptional culinary highlight at Embra, The Bistro, The Brantry or Bistro Lago at The Hilton. If you caught that big one, then you can might want to pre-arrange for a chef to cook it for you.

Start you day with a leisurely refuel at one of Taupō’s many cafés. Or, if you're in Taupō on a Sunday, the Taupō Farmers Market at Northcroft Reserve is another great way to start your day. This lively lakeside market is packed with local beer, handmade chocolate and fresh-baked treats to fuel your adventures. Browse artisan crafts and artwork to take a piece of Taupō home. In summer, Thursday evenings transform the reserve into the Summer Gourmet Food Festival, where foodies can feast on dozens of culinary delights under the evening sun.

There are a multitude of ways to explore the varied geothermal landscapes of Taupō—the full monty of fascinating wonders from steaming vents to boiling mud moons, bubbling hot pools and rainbow-coloured silica terraces. 

For laid-back strolling, walk the trail around Craters of the Moon—a moody otherworldly experience. Or take in the views from above on a thrilling flight via float plane to the Ōrakei Kōrako hidden geothermal valley to walk the trails around gushing geysers and silica terraces in an epic active landscape.  

Wrap up your geothermal adventures with a well-earned soak in the hot pools. For tranquillity, the adults-only Wairakei Terraces offers steaming, cascading thermal springs—level up the relaxation with a pre-booked holistic massage.

Prefer a livelier vibe? Taupō DeBretts Spa Resort brings the fun with hydro slides and a buzzing, family-friendly vibe. Or, if you prefer a natural soak under the stars, head to Otumuheke Stream, where warm thermal waters flow into the Waikato River, the perfect way to end an action-packed day.

Amp up the excitement today and head just out of town to Wairakei. Start with a blast up the Waikato River on a jet boat that takes you right up into the spray of the mighty Huka Falls—the purest facial you’ll ever get. New Zealand’s #1 natural attraction is not to be missed but, if you prefer a more gentle experience, take the slower riverboat cruise.

Heading home northwards, Wairakei is the place for a sweet tasting of local honey products, sipping coffee in sculpture-filled gardens, or watching glass blowing artists creating magnificent wares inspired by the landscapes. 

Heading south, leave enough time for a stop-off at Tūrangi to watch anglers quietly casting into the trout-famous Tongariro River. Stroll (or cycle) along the Tongariro riverbank and discover a range of delicious eateries and coffee stops in town.