Taupō is listed in global media organisation CNN’s ‘25 best places to visit in 2025’.
1. Huka Falls | SH1
Drive, walk from town or cruise to see Aotearoa’s most visited natural attraction.
2. Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings | Lake Taupō
Cruise across the lake to discover a significant cultural artwork and the story behind it.
3. Mountain bike the Supervolcanic Trail Network | Taupō region
Pedal across incredible volcanic landscapes on 30 wildly different trails.
4. Hike the incredible Tongariro Alpine Crossing | Turangi
Challenge yourself on Aotearoa’s best one-day hike, a spectacular 19-km trek through a UNESCO Dual World Heritage Park.
5. Launch out on NZ’s highest cliff-top bungy | Taupō town
Admire the views from high above, then plunge 47 m (154 ft) down to the crystal clear Waikato River.
6. Experience spectacular Orakei Korako geothermal wonders |via SH1 north /SH5 from Rotorua
Off-the-beaten track, highly active geothermal sights and wonders in The Hidden Valley.
7. Make family fun at Debretts Hot Springs | Taupō town
Relax in a steaming thermal valley while the kids let off their steam on the hydroslides and interactive playground.
8. Skydive above majestic landscapes | Taupō Airport
See it all — lake, mountains and rivers — from 18,500 ft above on New Zealand’s original drop zone.
9. Raft the Tongariro River’s thrilling white waters | Tūrangi
Navigate 60 roller-coaster rapids, discover new skills and a sublime unspoilt wilderness.
10. Soar over Lake Taupō on a parasail or a scenic flight | Taupō town
Rise up into the sky to enjoy spectacular birds-eye views of Aotearoa’s great lake and patchwork landscapes.
11. Land a trophy trout | Taupō region
Fish your heart out in trout heaven, casting a line into a rushing river or glistening lake waters.
12. Jet boat the Aratiatia Rapids to a movie location | Aratiatia
Experience exhilarating white water jet boating through a canyon to cinematically famous rapids.
13. Follow the Craters of the Moon geothermal trail | Taupō town
Journey across an active thermal landscape of steaming vents, bubbling craters and rainbow colours.
14. Test your golf swing on a championship course | Taupō region
Play Taupō’s two world-famous golf courses (Kinloch or Wairakei), or choose from another seven local courses.
15. Treat your significant other at Huka Lodge | Taupō
Settle in for a royal escape at luxurious Huka Lodge, due to reopen in March 2025 after a major
16. Experience pure relaxation at Wairakei Terraces | Taupō
Treat yourself to a spa treatment after a relaxing soak in mineral-rich thermal bathing pools set amongst natural silica terraces.
17. Follow the Graffiato street art trail | Taupō town
Download the trail map and wend your way to discover over 100 big bold murals adorning Taupō’s urban laneways and streets.
18. Take on the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge | Taupō region
Save the 2025 date (29 November) and start training to create memories at NZ’s premier cycling event.
19. Watch world-class athletes complete in the IRONMAN New Zealand | Taupō region
Join the crowds to witness the drama of top international sporting heroes competing in outstanding landscapes.
20. Kayak on rivers, streams and around the lake | Taupō region
Float down pristine aquamarine rivers and paddle into hidden, picture-perfect bays and beaches.
21. Fuel up or dine out at any of Taupō’s fine cafés | Taupō town
Savour the best and prepare for outdoor adventures in Taupō’s welcoming hospitable heart of vibrant and quirky eateries.
22. Take a scenic cruise on Lake Taupō | Taupō region
Get out on the water to experience Lake Taupō’s outstanding beauty and many different moods.
23. Chase waterfalls in the Western Bays | Taupō region
Discover hidden gems — majestic waterfalls, steep rocky cliffs and secluded beaches — far from the crowds on Lake Taupō’s remote western shore.
24. Explore ancient forests in Pureora Forest Park | Taupō region
Journey back into time in a treasured landscape of stately forest home sheltering some of NZ’s rarest creatures and oldest trees.
25. Capture stunning images along Taupō’s lakefront | Taupō town
Let your creative senses and your camera loose where the lake meets land in a multitude of Insta-worthy opportunities.