Taupō is situated on the shores of Lake Taupō, the second largest lake by surface area in Oceania. The lake had a fiery birth and was created around 27,000 years ago by a violent volcanic eruption.
Today, the area is rich with natural beauty and a plethora of things to see and do, making it perfect for exploring over the course of a long weekend or extended break. The area is home to every landscape imaginable, from snowy ski fields and ancient forests, to crystal clear rivers and rejuvenating hot springs.
Taupō is the perfect place for adventuring, exploring, and relaxing.
Get in Gear
There is no better way to experience Taupō’s stunning natural beauty than by jumping on a bike and taking to some of the best mountain biking trails in New Zealand. Taupō offers a network of purpose-built trails suitable for riders of all experience levels, with the most popular being the Great Lake Trail to Craters Mountain Bike Park. All trails form part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail Network and are easily navigable and accessible.
Take a Hike
Taupō’s wilderness can also be explored on foot, with amazing walks and hikes that take visitors through ancient forests, swamplands, geothermal areas, and past breathtaking volcanoes. All tracks are highly accessible and can be comfortably explored and enjoyed by walkers and hikers of all abilities, including families.
Some of the most popular treks and routes include the Great Lake Walkway, Huka Falls trails, the Tongariro River Trail, and Lake Rotopounamu native bush walk. There’s also the full-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing trek, which traverses a cratered volcanic moonscape dotted with gemstone coloured lakes.
For a taste of what it might actually be like to land on the moon, head for the thermal walkways at Craters of the Moon and Orakei Korako. Here you’ll witness firsthand the power and mystery of the inner workings of the earth.
Soak Yourself
Taupō’s geothermal activity offers ample opportunity for rest and relaxation in strange and beautiful landscapes. AC Baths Hot Pools is an all-weather, family-friendly pool complex, perfect for an afternoon of relaxation. For something a little different and visually appealing, head for Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa. Here you can spend time soaking in silica terraces and thermal bathing pools, with the option of also enjoying massage therapy. Pure bliss, if you ask us.
Hit the Snow
Just under two hours from Taupō is Mount Ruapehu, which is home to the longest ski season in Australasia – running from June to October – on New Zealand's largest commercial ski fields.
There’s excellent skiing and snowboarding to be enjoyed, with more room to ski at Whakapapa Ski Area, Turoa Ski Area and Tukino Ski Field than at all the other ski fields on the South Island put together.
Whakapapa Ski Area is New Zealand’s largest ski area with over 65 trails to discover, ranging from beginner to intermediate, all the way up to extreme. There’s something to suit all abilities here.
