Taupō adventures—from wilderness to wonders

Welcome to adventure central! Check into your Taupō accommodation and take a good look at your stunning surroundings—a pure blue expanse of water, snow capped mountain peaks and steamy geothermal landscapes—enough to take your breath away.

There’s no lack of accommodation and something for every budget in lakeside Taupō town and the smaller settlements on the edge of New Zealand’s biggest lake. You have the choice of a wide range of budget-friendly backpackers, comfortable motels, hospitable bed-and-breakfasts and smart hotels, lakeside camping, self-contained and serviced holiday homes.

Make yourselves comfortable then get into the swing of things around town—which could include a tee off at the famous Hole in One Challenge. It’s right on the lake shore and all you have to do is hit a golf ball out onto a floating pontoon—if you luck in and land it, there’s a $10,000 cash prize waiting for you. 

Before you firm up your plans for the evening entertainment, you’ll want to size up the many hospitable local pubs and eateries around town. Stop off at Jimmy Coop’s Lakehouse for a tasting flight of Lakehouse brews which are brewed in the Taupō hills on the farm that produces the meat that goes into Jimmy’s burgers—adding up to super local fresh ingredients. Near the airport, aviation-themed Mavericks is a new gastropub serving up an extensive menu of Kiwiana classics. If you’re looking for pizza and sunsets, make sure you stop by the Two Mile Bay Sailing Club. For some late night activity, Tuwharetoa Street is the place to be.

Lake Taupō and its waterways —the mighty Waikato and Tongariro rivers — provide spectacular settings and a range of conditions for adventurous (or lazy) outings on the water. Don’t miss the opportunity— sail, cruise or kayak— to see the famous Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings and, if you’ve never experienced a high-speed spin in a jet boat, now’s the moment with a thrilling jet boat expedition up the Waikato River to the Huka Falls. 

Flowing down from the volcanic peaks of the central North Island plateau, the pristine water of the Tongariro River is the white water rafting mecca of Aotearoa and there’s a thrilling experience for every level of rafter, from first-timers to experts. A half-day grade 3 ride navigates 50-plus roller coaster rapids as it passes through unspoilt wilderness.  

Ready fo some high-flying adrenaline? Tick a bungy jump off the bucket list high above the Waikato River, with optional dipping into the surging turquoise waters below. Or, for the ultimate adrenaline rush, soar above Taupō to take the 16,500-foot tandem skydive for a breathtaking view of slumbering volcanoes and rugged landscapes. Speed freaks can try their hands racing a V8 supercar around the Taupō International Motorsport Park. 

With all that adrenaline going down, you’ll be ready for a slap-up dinner tonight. Book in for an award-winning culinary treat at any one of these top-notch fine-dining restaurants: Lionel’s (for stylish contemporary dining),  The Bistro (for great food done well), The Brantry (for sophisticated dining) or Embra (for a classy European degustation). You won’t be disappointed in any of these, in fact you’ll probably be back for more.

Start the day right … look around town, Taupō has an astounding array of cosy cafės and eateries serving up all-day breakfast, bunch and tempting treats from old favourite Replete (good food, great people watching), Cafe Baku (lake views, counters groaning with goodness) to Storehouse (good vibes and waffles), Baked with Love (generous eggs bene and mince on toast), Victoria’s (try The Works), Kefi (keto and more), and The Cozy Corner (delicious, nutritious food).

It’d be tempting to hang about a bit in these tasty places ... but the trails are waiting and there’s so much to explore. Mountain bike the rim of a supervolcano on the Great Lake Trails—four epic intermediate-graded trails that traverse deep forested valleys, down smooth-flowing descents to secluded bays, and heart-pumping climbs to lookouts across vast volcanic landscapes. 

Alternatively, you could  set your sights on white-knuckle drops at Craters MTB Park. This purpose-built park, just 10 minutes from town, features old-school rides encircling its perimeter and intense and beginner options winding through its often pine-shrouded landscape. It’s not soft here; the pumice-covered landscape provides free-draining conditions throughout the year. Don’t miss chatting with the team at FourB for local tips and grab a visitor's pass to the park. 

Swap the wheels for a good pair of walking boots and spend a day in Tongariro National Park exploring this treasured UNESCO dual World Heritage landscape. You don’t have to be a mountaineer or a serious hiker to enjoy many of the easy short trails in this dramatic volcanic landscape. Start from National Park Village.

It’s the last day of your Taupō adventure so you can afford to take it a little more slowly. You could drive out to Wairakei for a walk around the Craters of the Moon active geothermal area or opt for a scenic flight in a float plane over the lake with a landing at Orakei Korako—the spectacular geothermal park that Lonely Planet describes as “arguably the best in New Zealand”. 

If you’re not feeling the need to go too far afield today, then stay around Wairakei. Climb aboard the Rapids Jet for a thrilling spin up the Waikato River to the Aratiatia Dam. From here, you watch the dam as it releases a thundering torrent of water into the rocky gorge below—an iconic scene that appeared in The Hobbit Trilogy. 

Wrap up your adventure with a well-earned soak. For tranquillity, the adults-only Wairakei Terraces offers steaming, cascading thermal springs—level up the relaxation with a pre-booked holistic massage or follow the trail around the thermal area. Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs has outdoor and indoor pools, two amazing heated racing slides, private pools and spa treatments.

If you're in Taupō on a Sunday, the Taupō Farmers Market at Northcroft Reserve is a must-visit. With over 50 stalls, 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. Visiting 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.