Where to stay
Hotels in Taupo
Book direct on our own Taupo hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.
Willow Lake House - Lake Taupo Holiday Home
71 Rainbow Drive Rainbow Point | Taupo, 3330, NZ
Acacia Bay Retreat - Charming 3BR Retreat With Fireplace and Views
10 Brunette Drive | Taupo, 3330, NZ
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At a glance
Climate
Temperate
Languages
English and Māori
Local currency
NZD
(NZD)
Local time
(GMT+13)
Ideal trip length
2–5 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Taupo Central
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
Not expected, appreciated for excellent service.
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
85 · Very good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Hāngi (Māori feast)
Freshwater trout
L&P (Lemon & Paeroa soda)
Pavlova
When to visit Taupo
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January, December
Busiest: Dec-Feb
-
Jan90
Warm, sunny, busy
-
Feb88
Warm, pleasant, active
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Mar80
Mild, calm, autumn
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Apr70
Cooler, crisp, colourful
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May60
Chilly, quiet, clear
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Jun55
Cold, winter, quiet
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Jul50
Coldest, frosty, calm
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Aug55
Cold, warming up
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Sept70
Mild, fresh, spring
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Oct78
Pleasant, active, mild
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Nov85
Warm, sunny, vibrant
-
Dec90
Hot, busy, summer
Things to do in Taupo
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
2 places
Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Lake Taupo 2.5 hrs
Explore ancient Māori rock carvings accessible only by boat on Lake Taupo.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Day Trip)
Tongariro National Park 8 hrs
Hike one of the world's best one-day walks through volcanic landscapes.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
Wairakei 3 hrs
Relax in geothermal hot pools and explore culturally significant terraces.
Huka Prawn Park
Wairakei Tourist Park 2 hrs
Catch your own prawns and enjoy a meal at New Zealand's only prawn farm.
Any time of day
3 places
Huka Falls Walk
Wairakei Tourist Park 1 hr
Witness the incredible power of New Zealand's most visited natural attraction.
Taupo Bungy or Skydive
Taupo 2 hrs
Experience an adrenaline rush with a bungy jump over the Waikato River or a scenic skydive.
Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk
Wairakei Tourist Park 1.5 hrs
Wander through a unique landscape of steaming vents and bubbling mud pools.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Taupo
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Activity tour
Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride from Taupo
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures -Tiua
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Parasailing Adventure over Lake Taupo
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Taupo Return Shuttle
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Stand Up Paddle Board Hire - Lake Taupo
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Taupo
Straight-line distance from the centre of Taupo.
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