Things to Do in Taupo
Taupo is one of New Zealand’s most stunning lakeside destinations, offering endless adventure, natural beauty and cultural attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or planning a return, exploring the best things to do in Taupo is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. From the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo to the mighty Huka Falls, every corner of the region offers a mix of excitement and tranquility. Many visitors search for things to do in Taupo to enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, hiking and geothermal wonders. If you prefer relaxation, you’ll also find soothing hot pools and scenic views among the top things to do in Taupo.
Adventure enthusiasts will discover thrilling jet boating, skydiving and biking trails as interesting things to do in Taupo. Whatever your travel style, the variety of things to do in Taupo makes it a perfect year-round destination filled with unforgettable memories.
1. Visit Huka Falls
The stunning Huka Falls are located just 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) north of Taupo, or about a 5-minute drive. It’s so close that this waterfall, located at the top of New Zealand, is a must-see while in Taupo.
The Waikato River is the longest river in the country, and just before Huka Falls, it narrows in a volcanic rock gorge. This narrowing increases the water pressure, which creates a dramatic cascade as the water rushes over Huka Falls at a rate of 220,000 litres per second. It can fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in less than 11 seconds!
The foamy appearance of the water as it plunges 11 metres (36 feet) is reflected in its name. The name comes from the Maori language where ‘huka’ means ‘foam’.
The parking lot at Huka Falls is easily accessible, or you can take a bus from Taupo to get there. Once you’re there, there are several lookout points, including a bridge just above the falls, where you can get up close to this incredible waterfall.
If you want to get even closer to this powerful waterfall, hop on a thrilling jet boat tour to get a front-row seat to this incredible natural wonder. You’ll need to hold on tight as you spin 360 degrees and navigate rugged cliffs before reaching the thundering waterfall. Round-trip transport is included for $108 NZD per person.
2. See Maori rock carvings
You’ll need to venture out onto Lake Taupo for this adventure, as the spectacular Maori rock carvings can only be seen from the water!
The tallest carving here towers over the cliffs at over 10 metres (32 feet). It’s one of the world’s largest rock art displays and it’s incredible to see up close.
These carvings on the rocks that rise up around Lake Taupo were made in the 1970s by master carver Matahi Wakataka-Brightwell and his small team. He recently completed a decade of training with Maori elders and marked the occasion with these incredible carvings, completed over four summers.
Since you’ll only be able to see the carvings from the water, take this half-day kayak tour to get up close. You’ll have an experienced guide who will tell you about their history and all the equipment you’ll need for the four-hour kayaking adventure. You’ll set off from Jerusalem Bay to explore places that only a kayak can go. It’s good for new or experienced paddlers and includes all the equipment and instruction you need for $135 NZD.
If paddling isn’t your thing, take a stroll past the carvings on this sailing yacht tour. This sightseeing cruise will take you to the amazing carvings on the rocks of the Bay of Mines as your guide tells you about the Maori myths and legends of the area. You’ll also get to enjoy other amazing views while relaxing on the boat deck. If you book an evening sail, you’ll also get a complimentary glass of wine or beer. It’s a great deal at just $49 NZD per person.
3. Visit Spa Thermal Park and Otumuheke Stream
Taupo’s Spa Thermal Park is a great place to walk through some spectacular scenery or soak in one of New Zealand’s top hot pools at Otumuheke Stream.
What I love about this park is that it’s completely free to explore! It’s about a 25-minute walk from the centre of Taupo, or a quick 5-minute drive.
There are some lovely walks or mountain bikes along the banks of the Waikato River.
Bring a bathing suit to take a dip in the geothermal waters of the Otumuheke Stream. The mineral water here is naturally warm, like a nice bath, not too hot. You can also swim near a gentle waterfall in these beautiful natural rock pools. It’s also a great place for families!
The area has recently been renovated to include changing rooms, washrooms and lockers, as well as seating and a place to grab a coffee.
The Spa Thermal Park is open daily from 7am to 8pm, and as I mentioned, it’s completely free!
4. Take a picture with the Taupo sign
Prove that you really do #LOVETAUPO by taking a picture near the giant letters! You can even stand on the sign while you pose.
The iconic sign is located near the lake, so your photo will have Lake Taupo in the background. It's a quick photo, but a beautiful moment to keep in your photo album or post online with the rest of your amazing Taupo photos.
The best part about this sign is that it's lit up at night, so if you're here in the evening, you can take some great photos after dark.
5. Huka Honey Hive
Here you can find authentic New Zealand honey, mead and liqueurs (with free tastings!) or you can watch live beekeeping and other interactive demonstrations. There is also plenty of space for children, including books and toys.
Head to Café Hive@65 for some delicious gourmet ice cream, drinks and sweets – many made with honey, of course! Or buy something unique from the gift shop, which has a range of skincare products, jewellery and more.
Of course, you have to take home a honey or two! There are dozens of varieties, including honeycomb pieces, that you can buy.
Huka Honey Hive is located five minutes from Taupo. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm on weekends and from 10am to 5pm on weekdays.
6. Hike Mount Tauhara
The trek up Mount Tauhara is one of the most adventurous and exciting hikes in the North Island. At the top, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of Lake Taupo. And while it’s steep, it’s a really doable hike, even if hiking isn’t your thing.
The Mount Tauhara Trail is about 6.5 km (4 miles) round-trip. You’ll start at a small parking lot and then spend the first few minutes of the hike crossing private farmland (watch out for cows!) and entering bushland.
Although there are no signs along the way, it’s a pretty clear path to follow. When the trail splits at points, you can choose whichever path you want – they all connect back to the main trail.
Once you reach the top, enjoy the view! It’s particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset, but the scenery in front of you is impressive any time of day.
7. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered one of the best hiking trails in all of New Zealand. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, this area is Mordor and you can even walk past Mount Doom!
The 19.4 km (12 mile) hike is located within Tongariro National Park, and don’t be fooled by the popularity of this hike, it’s a tough one! This tough hike features steep climbs across volcanic landscapes including active volcanoes, stunning lakes and impressive craters.
It tests even the fittest hikers and the weather can change quickly in this unpredictable alpine environment.
If you’re planning a short hike, you can park your car for up to 4 hours at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead on the Mangatepopo Road.
However, it takes much longer to walk the entire trail – around 6 to 10 hours. If you’re planning a full day hike, it’s a good idea to book a shuttle transport so you don’t have to worry about parking. The shuttle costs $35 NZD per person and includes transportation before and after your hike.
For those who want to do this trail as part of a multi-day hike, you can also walk the Tongariro Northern Circuit, which I did one year. It’s a great 3 to 4 day hike that’s one of the best things to do in New Zealand!
8. Moon Crater Trail
Moon Crater is a geothermal trail through bubbling craters, steaming earth, and mud pools. Located less than 10 minutes from Taupo, trekking through it definitely feels like you’re on another planet (or the moon!).
I spent about an hour here wandering the wooden walkways and elevated viewing platforms. The natural geothermal activity is both beautiful and a bit terrifying to see up close. It’s constantly changing, so one minute you’ll see a cloud of steam from afar, and the next the steam will fog up your glasses and cover you!
This is a unique place for photos, so bring your camera. There are well-designed signs around the path that will tell you what you are seeing and how this place was created. Originally, a nearby geothermal power station in the 1950s released pressure from the groundwater. This caused superheated water to rise to the surface - creating boiling mud, steam vents and the place you see today.
Admission costs from NZ$4 for children to NZ$8 for adults. It is open daily from 10am to 4pm, with last admission at 3pm.
9. Visit Taupo Market
Taupo Market is a great place to meet locals and shop for fresh produce, crafts and art. The market is located in the heart of Taupo and vendors sell a variety of goods every Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
The market has everything from clothing to food, jewelry or books. If you’re hungry, many food vendors have pastries or home-cooked meals on offer. There’s often live entertainment to enjoy while you browse.
The market is seasonal and is closed during the winter months of June, July and August.
10. Go jet boating
You’ll get up close and personal with some of the area’s most stunning natural wonders and landscapes. Not only is it scenic, jet boating is one of the best Taupo tours that will give you a thrilling ride and help you stick with it for life!
There are several options for this jet boat ride, which will take you to the thundering Huka Falls. You’ll be picked up from your hotel on the Waikato River, past rugged cliffs and native bush, to experience the thrill of life at Huka Falls. The 30-minute jet boat ride on this trip costs around NZ$108.
If zooming around the Naga Awapurua Rapids sounds like fun, then join this Waikato River Jet Boat Ride to secure your seat. The jet boat only holds 11 people, including a guide who will tell you about local sights as you pass through the gorges and rapids. It’s a thrilling 35-minute ride for NZ$129, which does not include pick-up or drop-off.
11. Visit Wairakei Terrace
Wairakei Terrace is a hot spring for adults that is very romantic - and a bit like you're in some kind of fantasy world. The terraced pools are surrounded by plants and only older teenagers and adults are allowed to swim here, so it's a peaceful and pleasant place to bathe.
There are four different hot pools, each with a different temperature. When I last visited, I started with the coolest pool and worked my way up to the hottest. It's a really peaceful environment and a lovely place to relax after a busy day exploring Taupo.
In the summer months, Wairakei Terraces is open until 9pm, which is great if you want to go in the evening (my personal favourite time is to go as the sun sets and it cools down!) In the winter, they close a little earlier at 8:30pm. They open at 8am every day all year round. The hot pools cost $25 NZD per person to visit. You can rent towels and a locker for an additional fee.
However, there’s more to the Terraces than just the hot pools. If you’re looking to stretch your legs, you can opt to take a walk on the Terraces. This walk is self-guided and will take you along the Te Kiri O Hinekai stream to see the natural geothermal activity. The walk costs $15 NZD per person and there’s an additional fee for the hot pools.
If you really want to pamper yourself, you can visit the on-site spa. I personally go to the Terraces to see the hot pools, but you can choose whatever suits you best!
12. Go Skydiving
You’ve probably taken a plane to Taupo, but take your trip to the next level by jumping from one! Taupo Tandem Skydiving offers incredible skydiving experiences from multiple heights, depending on your budget and level of adventure.
Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park are a breathtaking backdrop for your jump that you can see as you freefall and then really enjoy as your tandem partner parachutes down to the ground.
They have a variety of jump heights, with the lowest being 9,000 feet and the highest being 16,500 feet. The higher you go, the longer the freefall! Their highest jump takes a full 75 seconds.
I’ve done two tandem jumps before and I really enjoyed them. Both were from 12,000 feet, so I’d like to try higher altitudes. My partner skydives as a hobby, so I don’t think it would take him long to get me back in the air!
The 9,000 foot jump costs NZ$279 and the 16,500 foot jump costs NZ$529. Of course, I recommend doing the highest jump you think you can do, but if you’re on a tight budget, the lower altitudes are still incredible. You must book your skydive experience in advance to secure your spot.
Related Read: If you're ready for another incredible skydiving experience, try tandem skydiving from a helicopter! It's an incredible stop on the way from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo.
13. Debretts Spa Resort and Water Park
Debretts Spa Resort is another place where you can literally soak in the region’s volcanic past and present at its natural hot springs.
The park features two large hot pools fed by a natural spring called Onekenek. The spring water is so hot that Debretts actually cools the water to a temperature range of 38-41° Celsius (100-104° Fahrenheit). It’s the perfect place to relax after exploring New Zealand, with mineral waters that help relax muscles and soothe sunburn.
While the natural hot pools are the main attraction at Debretts, there are a variety of other attractions you can visit here. These include a theme park with waterslides, a hot water playground, indoor private pools, and freshwater pools. This is a place that both kids and adults will love!
Admission to the two main pools costs $24 NZD and you can buy tickets online. DeBretts is open from 8:30am to 9:30pm, with last entry at 9pm.
14. Visit Hot Water Beach
While it’s not as spectacular as the famous Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel, there is a beach on the shores of Lake Taupo that is still worth a visit. You’ll need to find the right spot, but it’s easy enough – look for the rocks set in a circle along the beach after parking.
Once you’ve found the hot spot (pun intended) you can dig into the sand and then experience the geothermal energy that heats the lake water. It’s like digging your own natural hot spring. You can even dig a big hole and make your own hot tub!
Often, the water in Lake Taupo is either too hot or too cold to actually do this, but it’s still fun. It takes me back to a childhood memory at the beach!
15. Aratiatia Rapids
The next stop in Taupo is both a natural and man-made attraction. Aratiatia Rapids is a narrow section of the Waikato River that drops 28 metres (91 ft) over a 1 kilometre (.6 mi) narrow channel.
Above the rapids is the Aratiatia Dam, which is used to control the flow of water to generate reliable hydroelectric power for the city of Taupo.
When the dam is released, the rapids come alive, creating an epic spectacle for visitors. You can watch the incredible flow of water from three different lookout points on the rock piles near the river.
The dam releases water multiple times a day - although it can release at any time, making the area extremely dangerous for swimming. In winter (April-September), the dam releases water at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. During the summer (October-March), the dam releases water at the same time and at an additional time at 4pm.
16. Kayak the Waikato River
Kayaking the Waikato River is one of the best things to do in Taupo. It’s a great way to relax and connect with nature while getting up close to Taupo’s beautiful scenery.
The guided kayak trip will take you along the Waikato River in Taupo, where you’ll kayak past forests, swimming holes, islands and even the Taupo Bungy Platform, where you’ll see people taking a dip (next on this list!). The tour ends with a dip in some natural hot springs.
The tour is around 2 hours long and includes all kayaking equipment, a professional guide to show you the way, and free photos of your experience! Best of all, tickets are only $69 NZD!
17. Go Bungee Jumping
The scariest thing I’ve ever done was bungee jumping in New Zealand! Even skydiving was nothing compared to the thrill of bungee jumping. There’s something so amazing (and terrifying!) about jumping from a platform to the ground.
At Taupo Bungee, you can jump from a platform 47 meters (154 feet) above the Waikato River! It’s fun, scary, and exciting all at the same time. The best part is, if you’re too scared to go it alone, you can do a tandem bungee for moral support.
When you jump at Taupo Bungee, they’ll ask you if you’re dry or wet? If you say wet, they’ll set the rope so you touch the water below and get a refreshing dunk in the Waikato River. How cool is that?
Now, this might not be at the top of everyone’s list, but it’s something I recommend everyone do at least once. It’ll easily be one of the most memorable things you do in Taupo!
A single bungee jump costs around $160 New Zealand dollars, depending on the day and time of year.
Related Read: Craving more adrenaline-fueled activity? Head to the country’s adventure capital – Queenstown, New Zealand. You can bungee jump again (from twice the height!) or try ziplining, jetboating and more!
18. Breakfast and Coffee at Espresso Cove
Whenever I visit Taupo, I can’t go without having breakfast at Espresso Cove at least once – I love it! This little breakfast spot is located on the shores of Lake Taupo and offers incredible views along with delicious breakfasts and lunches.
Most people first visit Espresso Cove for the great ocean views, and then come back again and again for the food and coffee, which is even better! It’s reasonably priced, the staff are super friendly, and they even have a license if you want to come in for a boozy brunch one day. I love their salmon roasties!
19. Ride the Great Lakes Trail
The entire trail is about 85 kilometers (52 miles) long and is divided into 3 sections: Waihaha, Kawakawa, and Wakaipō. It’s most common to split the journey into 2 days. However, you can also do 3 days or more.
I haven’t had a chance to do this trail yet, but I hope to do it soon! It’s a great adventure with some amazing views.
If you want to do it all at once, check out this two-day mountain biking tour on the trail. It includes everything you need to have a great time, from bikes and transport to a guide if you want. The tour costs $300 NZD, with a guide or $160 NZD without a guide.
20. Have lunch at Two Mile Bay Sailing Club
Beautiful days in Taupo should be spent on the lake, and what better way to do it than with delicious food and drinks in hand. Two Mile Bay Sailing Club is one of Taupo’s best restaurants, serving some of the best pizza in New Zealand. My favorite is the smoked salmon – it’s so good!
On top of that, their lakeside location means you can enjoy uninterrupted views of Lake Taupo. So you’ll never miss a thing!
My advice is to come for lunch or a few drinks in the evening. The sunsets are amazing, and they don’t close until 10pm. That means even in the summer, you’ll be able to see the sunset! However, you can visit at any time of day and enjoy a delicious meal or drink. They’re even open for breakfast at 7am!
Pizza at Two Mile Bay Sailing Club costs around $30 NZD, and considering the quality and location; I’ll be back!
21. SUP
Stand-up paddle boarding is one of the best ways to stay active on holiday while enjoying the spectacular scenery. Lake Taupo is ideal for this activity due to its calm waters and great summer weather.
You can hire paddleboards locally (great for Taupo watersports!). Full-day hires are also available for those who want to explore Lake Taupo further. The best part about hiring locally is that you can ask for tips to plan your route and see some of the amazing sights on your to-do list.
While the Maori rock carvings are one of the top attractions, please note that it takes 7 to 8 hours to reach them from most rental places. This doesn’t mean you can’t do it, you just need to be an experienced paddler.
22. Visit the Botanical Gardens (Waipahi Botanical Reserve)
They’re not very common, but there is one right here in Taupo, so naturally we decided to give our legs a break and head out by car.
The Waipahi Botanical Gardens are really beautiful and there are some nice viewpoints around, so they’re worth a visit. Plus, if you’re driving, it’s a very quick activity!
Of course, you can still walk. There are some hiking trails in the gardens and you can even take a picnic with you.
You can actually visit the gardens for free, but if you want to contribute to their upkeep, there are donation boxes around. They’re open from 7am to 7pm every day.
23. White Water Rafting
New Zealand is famous for its stunning rivers, which are perfect for adventure activities like white water rafting. So it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best things to do in Taupo!
Without a doubt, the Tongariro River is the best for rafting. Home to breathtaking scenery and heart-pounding rapids, this river will excite even the most daring rafters.
Tongariro River Rafting is one of the top companies in Taupo, and they have a main tour that tackles over 60 rapids over a 13km (8mi) stretch of the river. Most of the rapids are grade 3 but don’t let that fool you. You’ll be bumping and bouncing and flipping!
On the tour, you’ll spend around 2 hours on the raft, but the entire tour takes around 4 hours. It costs $159 NZD for adults and $144 NZD for children. The minimum age for this tour is 10, so if you’re traveling with young children, you can check out their family rafting tour on the small rapids.
24. Visit a local brewery
I always love visiting local breweries, and Crafty Trout is one of the more quirky places I’ve visited. It’s inspired by a fishing lodge and a lot of the decor feels a bit random. It’s definitely not the industrial-chic atmosphere that many people expect from craft breweries these days! It feels like you’ve stepped back in time in Germany.
The pizza here is really good too, and it’s even better when you wash it down with a great brew. I also love that there are plenty of couches to relax on, because sometimes you really need that after you’ve had your fill!
25. See Lava Glass
When visiting Taupo, be sure to stop by and check out some of the great glass art for sale, or pop into the garden for a coffee and some of the great work on display.
Entry to both the studio and garden is $15 per person, and $5 of that can be used to purchase glasswork. There’s even a family pass for 6 people for $50!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the best things to do in Taupo for first-time travelers?
Top attractions include Huka Falls, Lake Taupo Cruises, geothermal hot pools, and scenic walks. They offer a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation.
2. Is Taupo good for adventure activities?
Yes! Taupo is famous for skydiving, jet boating, mountain biking, trout fishing, and kayaking. It is one of the top adventure hubs in New Zealand.
3. What can I do in Taupo for free?
You can visit Huka Falls, Hot Water Beach, Spa Thermal Park, explore lakeside walking tracks, and enjoy the beautiful scenery—all for free.
4. What are the things families can enjoy in Taupo?
Absolutely. Family-friendly options include lake cruises, mini-golf, geothermal parks, hot pools, playgrounds, and nature walks.
5. When is the best time to visit Taupo?
Taupo is a year-round destination. Summer is great for water activities, while winter is filled with hot pools, indoor attractions, and nearby ski fields.
6. How many days do you need in Taupo?
Most travelers spend 2-3 days enjoying the main attractions, but adventure lovers often stay longer.
7. Are there geothermal attractions in Taupo?
Yes, popular places include the Moon Crater, Wairakei Terrace, and Orakei Korako.
Note: This guide to the best things to do in Taupo is designed to help travelers discover the area's top attractions, hidden gems, and unique experiences. All recommendations are based on popular tourist attractions, natural landmarks, and activities that suit different travel styles. Before planning your trip, check local weather updates, opening times, and seasonal availability to ensure a smooth travel experience. Prices and activity schedules may vary depending on the time of year, so booking in advance for popular excursions is recommended. Taupo offers both free and paid attractions, making it an ideal destination for all budgets.