Top Things to Do in Taupo, New Zealand

In the middle of New Zealand's North Island, you'll find many things to do in Taupo. This town on Lake Taupo has often been described as the adventure capital of the North Island. If you're active and outdoorsy, find out some of the best things to do during your visit.

01 of 10

Walk Around Huka Falls

Address

Wairakei, Taupō 3384, New Zealand

Get directions

At these falls, the outflow of Lake Taupo into the Waikato River gushes through a narrow gorge at the rate of 200,000 liters per second with spectacular effect. It's an amazing sight, and there are several viewing points. There is also a nice walk from here along the river bank back into town. The return journey takes a couple of hours.

02 of 10

Soak in the DeBretts Hot Springs Thermal Pools

Hot Springs near Rotorua city in the Taupo Volcanic Zone of New Zealand — scott1346 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Address

76 Napier-Taupo Road, State Highway 5, Hilltop, Taupō 3330, New Zealand

Get directions

Phone +64 7-378 8559 ext. 2

Web Visit website

Taupo is in the center of a large thermal area that also includes Rotorua and White Island. This pool complex is not far from Taupo and is on the highway leading to Napier. With two outdoor pools and some private pools to choose from, this is a relaxing thing to do in Taupo that will soothe muscles after hiking or skiing.

03 of 10

Take a Lake Cruise on the Barbary

Relax sailing on the Barbary — Courtesy of Sail Barbary

Address

Berths 9 &, 10 Redoubt Street, Nukuhau, Taupō 3330, New Zealand

Get directions

Phone +64 7-378 5879

Web Visit website

A day sail aboard this century-old yacht is one of the best ways to see Lake Taupo. The historic ketch Barbary has been sailing these waters for more than 30 years. The trip includes a visit to the famous Maori carvings, which are etched into the rocks above Mine Bay.

04 of 10

Traverse the Craters of the Moon

Craters of the moon, One of the craters of the moon just north of Taupo — Andrew Parnell / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Address

171 Karapiti Road, Wairakei, Taupō 3377, New Zealand

Get directions

Phone +64 27 656 4684

Web Visit website

This aptly-named geothermal area is filled with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and sulfurous gases. As the closest public thermal attraction to Taupo, it is a fascinating and worthwhile stop.

Continue to 5 of 10 below.

05 of 10

Smell the Roses at Waipahihi Botanical Gardens

Orange-red rock rose shrub — Josie Elias / Getty Images

Address

Cnr Hyde Avenue &, Shepherd Road, Waipahihi, Taupō 3330, New Zealand

Get directions

Phone +64 7-378 7104

Web Visit website

Actually, there's much more to these gardens than just roses. You'll also find a large variety of native and exotic plants in a lovely elevated setting overlooking Lake Taupo.

06 of 10

Play Golf at the Wairakei International Golf Course

Address

Wairakei Drive, Thermal Explorer Highway, Waikato 3377, New Zealand

Get directions

Phone +64 7-374 8152

Web Visit website

Wairakei International Golf Course is one of the finest and best-known golf courses in New Zealand. Set in the geothermal area of Wairakei on the outskirts of town, it also boasts a hotel, restaurants, and conference center. Perhaps the best thing about this championship course is that it serves double duty as a wildlife sanctuary.

07 of 10

Go Fishing on Lake Taupo

Fishing Excursion on Lake Taupo — Ana Figuera

Address

Lake Taupo, Waikato, New Zealand

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Lake Taupo and the rivers feeding it are an international mecca for trout fishing and have been since both rainbow and brown trout were introduced more than 120 years ago. Hire a boat or a guide to fish from the lake, which is New Zealand's largest. Alternatively, the Tongariro River at the southern end of the lake is a superb place to do some land-based fly casting.

08 of 10

Jet Boat on the Waikato River

Huka Jet nearing the falls — Al404 / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Address

Waikato River, Waikato, New Zealand

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The areas around the Huka Falls or the Aratiatia Dam, are great places to get some adrenaline pumping on a thrilling jet boat ride. The jet boat was invented in New Zealand as a way to explore the country's vast network of waterway. This area offers some of the best jet boating on the North Island.

Continue to 9 of 10 below.

09 of 10

Go Skiing at Whakapapa

Address

Manawatu-Wanganui 3989, New Zealand

Get directions

Phone +64 800 468 235

Web Visit website

The Whakapapa skifield in the Tongariro National Park is less than an hour and a half from the Taupo township. It is New Zealand's largest commercial ski field, with runs to suit all ages and abilities.

10 of 10

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Barren landscape of snow capped mountains in Tongariro — TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Address

Tongariro National Park, Manawatu-Wanganui 4691, New Zealand

Get directions

Web Visit website

Located in the fictional Land of Mordor from "The Lord of the Rings," Tongariro Alpine Crossing is regarded as the best one-day hike in New Zealand. It traverses Mount Tongariro in the national park and has stunning landscapes and views. This is one of the best things to do in Taupo, so don't miss out.