Taupo

The Lake Taupo area is situated on a volcanic plateau. The lake, famed for its trout fishing and boating, fills the caldera of one of the largest super-volcanoes in the world, in a still active geological region. About 26,000 years ago, the lake area was a volcano that erupted in an enormous explosion that ejected about 1,200 cubic kilometres of material, spreading it over the central North Island and forming the Volcanic Plateau. The resulting depression became Lake Taupo after it filled with water draining off the surrounding hills. It last erupted around 180 CE, reportedly turning the skies over China and Rome red.
Today, Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake by area, covering 616 square kilometres. It feeds the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest, with the water to run eight hydroelectric power stations. After leaving town, the river rushes through the tourist attractions of Huka Falls and Aratiatia Rapids.

Climate

Taupo has a temperate climate with distinct seasons, mild summers, cool winters, and regular rainfall. Due to its inland location and relatively high altitude (360 m above sea level), the climate is cooler than in other parts of the North Island and is more akin to the lower half of the South Island.

By plane

• Taupo Airport

  phone: +64 7 378 7771
  Air New Zealand Link operates daily flights from Auckland, and Sounds Air has scheduled flights from Wellington most days. The airport provides for private jets and other aircraft and is the busiest parachute drop zone in New Zealand.

By bus

Intercity offers coach services to Taupo several times a day from throughout the North Island. Adventure travel networks in the form of Kiwi Experience, Stray and Contiki also visit Taupo (daily in summer).

By car

Taupo is at the junction of State Highway 1 (SH 1), which runs the length of the country, and State Highway 5 (SH 5), which runs south-east to Napier and north to Rotorua and Tirau.
Approximate distances and drive times are:

• Auckland – 275 km / 4 hrs along SH 1 (alternatively, you can leave SH 1 at Pokeno, travel along SH 2 and SH 27 via Matamata and meet back up with SH 1 at Tirau, therefore avoiding Hamilton)
• Hamilton – 153 km / 2 hrs along SH 1
• Rotorua – 81 km / 1 hr along SH 5
• Napier – 142 km / 2 hrs along SH 5 (there are two electric charging stations en route, but no petrol stations – if you're not driving an EV, check your fuel level before leaving Bay View, on Napier's outskirts)
• Wellington – 370 km / 5 hrs along SH 1

The urban centre is very compact and is within easy walking distance of most hotels, motels and hostels, as are a number of the more popular activities. To explore further, there are several car rental companies and the popular "Hot Bus" shuttle, which has regular trips to the most popular tourist sites. In addition most activity operators offer a free pick up, drop off service. It is also possible to hire push bikes and motor scooters. Accommodation providers will be able to assist with all transport arrangements.

Shuttle

• Adventure Shuttles

  phone: +64 22-547-0399
  address: 1/504 Mapara Rd, Acacia Bay

Local tours

• Paradise Tours

  phone: +64 7 378-9955, +64 21-468-287 (mobile)

Taxi

• Taupo Taxis

  phone: +64 7 378-5100
  address: Gascoigne St

• Top Cabs

  phone: +64 7 378-9250
  address: Tuwharetoa St

• London Taxi Cab

  phone: +64 800-855-466
  Tours only.

Rental cars

• Avis Car Rental

  phone: +64 7 378-6305
  address: 61 Spa Rd & Taupo Airport

• Backpackers Car Rentals

  phone: +64 7 376-9209

• Custom Rentals

  phone: +64 7 378-0440

• First Choice Rental Cars

  phone: +64 7 378-2740

• Hertz Rental Cars

  phone: +64 7 378-8056

• Pegasus Rental Cars

  phone: +64 7 377-0666

There are many sights of interest in the Taupo region, most of which are free of charge, and you should set a day aside to check out some of the sights. To get around the sights transport is a must - a mountain bike at the very least for people with some fitness or perhaps a rental car or shuttle for those who prefer to relax while on holiday.

• Aratiatia Dam

  address: Aratiatia Rd
  The first dam in the Waikato Hydro power scheme. The gates are opened daily at 10AM, noon, 2PM and 4PM in summer and 10AM, noon and 2PM in winter, which causes the spectacular recreation of the Aratiatia Rapids.

• Huka Falls

  address: Huka Falls Rd
  New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction located just to the north of town on the Waikato river. New Zealand’s largest river is forced between a narrow split in the bedrock. Quite impressive with flows often exceeding 220,000 litres per second.

• KinlochA pretty lakeside village 15 minutes drive west of Taupo.

• Lions Walk – A walkway starting in town and heading south for about 5 miles following the lake edge. Paved in places through the efforts of local service clubs.

• Taupo Museum

  phone: +64 7 376-0414
  address: Story Pl
  A small museum located near the centre of town behind the Great Lake Centre. Contains exhibits on the volcanic, Maori and early European history of Taupo. A Maori meeting house is recreated within the building. Exhibitions of art by local and national artists are ongoing. The "Ora" garden which won the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show can be seen in a specially created outside area.

• Waipahihi Botanical Gardens

  address: cnr Shepherd Rd & Hyde Ave
  Has both vehicle and walking tracks through forest and gardens. Also boasts one of the best vantage points of the lake and mountains of the Tongariro National Park. Located in the suburbs.

Geothermal activity

Being in the heart of the Taupo Volcanic Zone you don't have to travel far to encounter geothermal activity. There are several examples and, though not as heavily marketed or developed as those in nearby Rotorua, they provide a fascinating insight into the fragility of our planet.

• The Wairakei steam field, 10 minutes north of town on Wairakei Rd, can be accessed by car and provides an insight into the tapping of the earth's heat for electricity generation. The 175MW opened in 1958, the first geothermal plant in New Zealand and only the second commercial-scale geothermal plant in the world. Today, geothermal power stations in New Zealand produce 15 percent of the country's electricity requirements. Further north along State Highway 5 is the newer and smaller, but more prominent, . Its 105-metre tall natural draft cooling tower, like those typically found at nuclear power stations, stands out from the landscape for miles around.

• Craters of the Moon

  address: Karapiti Rd, Wairakei
  An easy 45 min (2.75 km) walk through an active and ever-changing other-worldly geothermal wonderland.

• Orakei Korako

  phone: +64 7 378-3131
  address: 494 Orakei Korako Rd
  "The Hidden Valley" of Orakei Korako contains geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs, large silica terraces and the majestic Ruatapu Caves.

There is no shortage of activities on offer in Taupo, be it an adrenaline rush or the more sedate. There is something for everyone, from the ever popular bungy, to Taupo being internationally known as a mecca for skydiving, to jet boating, trout fishing, scenic flights, and simple pleasures such as the AC Baths and the one and only Starlight Cinema. Lake Taupo is widely considered to be the rainbow trout capital of the world and the lake's tributaries contain some fine brown trout.

Bungy jumping

Taupo Bungy operates not far from the town centre at the Hell's Gate section of the Waikato River. The location is quite scenic and utilises a custom-built cantilever platform protruding from a cliff face over the river. There is a cafe and several good vantage points. They are endorsed by the New Zealand Safety Standards Authority.

• Taupo Bungy

  phone: +64 7 377 1135
  address: 202 Spa Rd

Jet boating

With New Zealand's largest river, the Waikato, flowing from Lake Taupo, there is little wonder that jet boating is available and there are three operators providing trips on various sections of the river. Jet boating is a very New Zealand activity and well worth the effort.

• Huka Falls Jet

  phone: +64 7 374 8572
  address: Karetoto Rd, Wairakei
  Minimum height 100cm (3ft 3.5in).

• Rapids Jet

  phone: +64 7 374 8066
  address: Nga Awa Purua Rd, Aratiatia
  Minimum height 100cm (3ft 3.5in), life & spray jackets are provided.

• NZ River Jet

  phone: +64 7 333 7111
  address: Tutukau Rd, Mihi

Skydiving

Taupo's natural scenery with its lake, forests and volcanic backdrop make for an excellent skydive location. Taupo is New Zealand's skydive Mecca, as people flock here to do a jump at the cheapest prices in the country. There are two companies operating from Taupo Airport: Taupo Tandem Skydiving and Skydive Taupo. Each company offers tandem skydives from both 12,000 and 15,000 feet and also provide various DVD and photo options to capture the moment. Taupo Tandem can also cater for experienced solo jumpers and a skydive school operates over the summer months which offers training to beginners.

• Taupo Tandem Skydiving

  phone: +64 7 377-0428

• Skydive Taupo

  phone: +64 7 378-4662

Cruising/sailing

With a surface area of 616 square km, Lake Taupo is the focal point for the town and its people and to truly appreciate it you really need to head out on it. There are many hidden bays and some spectacular views to be had from on the water. Well worth a look are the large Maori rock carvings that can only be accessed by water. Options available range from large powered charter boats to kayaks.

• The Barbary

  phone: +64 7 378 5879
  address: Berth 10, Redoubt St, Taupo Boat Harbour
  The Barbary is a 1926 racing yacht with an interesting history. It is quite popular and a good option for a sunny day.

• Chris Jolly Outdoors

  phone: +64 7 378 0623
  address: Ferry Rd, Taupo Boat Harbour

• Ernest Kemp Cruises

  phone: +64 7 378 9222
  address: 65 Redoubt St, Taupo Boat Harbour

• Fish Cruise Taupo

  phone: +64 7 378 3444
  address: 65 Redoubt St, Taupo Boat Harbour

• The Junk

  phone: +64 7 377 1164
  address: Taupo Boat Harbour

• Two Mile Bay Sailing Centre

  phone: +64 274 967 350

Chartered trout fishing

• Trout Catching

  phone: +64 7 377 2039, +64 7 27 485 5391 (mobile)
  Chartered trout fishing service.

• Taupo Lake Adventures

  phone: +64 7 378 7217, +64 27 471 7650 (mobile)
  address: 75B Kaimanawa St
  Chartered trout fishing & sightseeing.

• Lake Taupo Charter Boats NZ

  phone: +64 7 378 3444
  Fishing & cruising.

• Fish Lake Taupo Charters (Shoreline Safaris)

  phone: +64 27 477 6279, +64 7 378 2169 (AH)
  address: 29 Tamatea Rd
  Trout fishing & sightseeing.

• White Striker Charters

  phone: +64 7 378 2736
  address: 15 Matua Rd, File Mile Bay
  Chartered trout fishing.

Fly fishing

• Taupo Trout Fishing

  phone: +64 21 116 2752
  Professional guiding services by Andrew Christmas.

• Mark Aspinall Fly Fishing Guides

  phone: +64 7 378 4453, +64 21 500 384 (Mobile)

• Free Time Fishing Adventures

  phone: +64 27 419 7651
  Guided fly fishing & casting lessons.

• NZ Fly FishFly fishing specialists.

Scenic flights

With the natural beauty of Taupo and its surrounds a scenic flight is well worth considering. There are a number of companies offering flights ranging from 15 minutes to several hours over the town, lake, mountains and volcanic areas. Both helicopter and fixed wing flights are available.

• Taupo Air Services

  phone: +64 7 378 5325
  address: Taupo Airport

• Taupo's Floatplane

  phone: +64 7 378 7500
  address: Taupo Boat Harbour

• Clark & Jolly Helicopters

  phone: +64 7 377 8805
  address: Taupo Airport

• Mountain Air

  address: National Park

Tramping/walking

There are many opportunities to walk in and around Taupo. Forest, mountains, guided walks and unguided.

• Awhina Wilderness ExperienceHalf or full day guided walks on Mt Titiraupenga.

• Mount Tauhara. The mountain sitting on the eastern edge of town can be climbed fairly easily, taking 1.5–2 hours (get directions from your accommodation). The views from the top on a clear day are remarkable, so take your camera.

Adventure packages

• 4PLAY

Swimming & sauna

• AC Baths

  phone: +64 7 376-0350
  address: 26 AC Baths Rd

• Taupo Hot Springs Spa

  phone: +64 7 377-6502
  address: 76 Napier Taupo Road

• Taupo Thermal Park

  address: County Ave
  Find the bridge with the hot river that merges with the cold river.

Cinema

• Starlight Cinema Centre

  phone: +64 7 377 1085, +64 7 378 7515 (Info Line)
  address: Starlight Arcade, Horomatangi St
  All cinemas air conditioned & wheelchair accessible.

Family & children

• Mind Junction

  phone: +64 7 377 6555
  address: cnr SH 5 and Palmer Mill Rd

• Lilliput Farm

  phone: +64 7 378 2114
  address: 136 Link Rd, Oruanui

• Taupo Horse Treks

  address: Karapiti Rd, Wairakei Forest
  Bookings essential.

Booking agents

• Experience Taupo

  phone: +64 7 377 0704
  address: 57 Tongariro St
  Bookings for all Taupo-based adventure tourism.

• I-Site Taupo

  phone: +64 7 376 0027
  address: Tongariro St

Events

Over recent years the event industry in Taupo has been thriving. A combination of attractive venues and a supportive community have been key to this growth. Taupo now hosts a number of major international and national events, including:

• Taupo EventsTaupo has a lot more events than just these, although these are main events - they aren't the only ones. This is a list of all of the current events happening right now, tomorrow and next week!

• Great Lake Cycle ChallengeStarted in 1977 with just 30 riders, this 153km road cycle around Lake Taupo now attracts over 10,000 entrants every year. It is also a round of the prestigious UCI Golden Bike Series. The last Saturday in November is when the event takes place.

• Ironman New ZealandTaupo has been home to this event since 1999. Ironman New Zealand is the oldest event outside of the world championships in Hawaii. It is held on the first Saturday in March each year.

• Taupo Half MarathonNew Zealand's largest half marathon and also the biggest in the southern hemisphere, follows the shore of Lake Taupo for most of the course. Held in early August every year.

• Oxfam TrailwalkerThe world's greatest team challenge to overcome poverty and injustice offers you a rewarding physical endeavour, a fun experience to share with friends and colleagues and the chance to do something amazing for yourself and others.

• Taupō Market

  address: Riverside Park
  Seasonal Fruits & Veges, Cakes & Biscuits, Apparel, Lavender Products, Free Range Eggs, Jewellery, Fresh Baked Bread, Curios & Collectables, Preserves, Arts & Craft, Books & Flowers. Also Car Boot Sale - First Saturday of every month.

Fishing

• Fly & Gun Shop

  phone: +64 7 378-4449
  address: 27 Gascoigne St

• Taupo Rod & Tackle

  phone: +64 7 378-5337
  address: 7 Tongariro St

• Greenstone Fishing

  phone: +64 7 378-3714
  address: 147 Tongariro St

Budget

• McDonald's

  phone: +64 6 378 8679
  address: 48 Roberts St
  The only McDonald's in the world on an airplane! When the Golden Arches bought the site in 1990, it came with a decommissioned Douglas DC-3, and they incorporated it into the restaurant. The plane, complete with original cockpit, seats 20 diners and is open daily 09:00-16:30.

Cafes

• BodyFuel Cafe

  phone: +64 7 378 9555
  address: 67 Tongariro St

• Replete

  phone: +64 7 378 0606
  address: 45 Heuheu St

Dining

• Plateau

  phone: +64 7 377-2425
  address: 64 Tuwharetoa St

• Ploughmans

  phone: +64 7 377-3422
  address: 43-45 Charles Cres, Rainbow Point

• Waterside Restaurant & Bar

  phone: +64 7 378-6894
  address: 3 Tongariro St
  For casual lunch or dinner. There are views of the lake and the mountains (Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu). Outdoor dining in summer and a fireplace to keep you warm in the winter. Also has a Pool Deck, a bar with three high-end pool tables.

Non-alcoholic

• Tank Juice Bar

  phone: +64 7 378 1064
  address: 3 Horomatangi St
  Situated in Taupo township - fantastic, refreshing and thirst quenching juices.

Alcoholic

• Dbar

  phone: +64 7 378 8542
  address: 22 Tuwharetoa St
  Bar and gaming lounge.

• Finn MacCuals Irish Pub

  phone: +64 7 378 6165
  address: 10 Tuwharetoa St

• Mulligan's Public House

  phone: +64 7 376 9100
  address: 15 Tongariro St
  Irish/backpackers bar.

• Pitch Sports Bar

  phone: +64 7 378 3552
  address: 38-40 Tuwharetoa St

• Plateau

  phone: +64 7 377 2425
  address: 64 Tuwharetoa St

Holiday parks

• All Seasons Kiwi Holiday Park

  phone: +64 7 378 4272
  address: 16 Rangatira St

• De Bretts Spa Resort

  phone: +64 7 378 8559
  address: 76 Napier-Taupo Rd (SH 5)

• Great Lake Taupo Holiday Park

  phone: +64 7 378 5159
  address: 406 Acacia Bay Rd

• Lake Taupo Holiday Resort

  phone: +64 7 378 6860
  address: 41 Centennial Dr
  Lake Taupo Holiday Resort is a destination in itself with a spectacular tropical style pool with swim-up bar plus café, and being geothermally heated it will keep you lovely and warm year round. Located 5 minutes from Taupo city centre and sprawled across 8 hectares of park land, the resort is a hidden oasis surrounded by nature and offers comfortable, clean accommodation ranging from motels, cabins and sites for your campervan, RV, tent or boat.

Backpackers

• Berkenhoff Lodge

  phone: +64 7 378 4909
  address: 75 Scannell St

• Finns Global Backpackers

  phone: +64 7 377 0044
  address: 8 Tuwharetoa St

• Rainbow Lodge Backpackers Retreat

  phone: +64 7 378 5754
  address: 99 Titiraupenga St

• Silver Fern Lodge

  phone: +64 7 377 4929
  address: 118 Tamamutu St

• Taupo Urban Retreat

  phone: +64 7 378 6124
  address: 65 Heuheu St

• Tiki Lodge

  phone: +64 7 377 4545
  address: 104 Tuwharetoa St

• YHA Taupo

  phone: +64 7 378 9292
  address: 20 Taniwha Street

Motels

• Chevron Motel

  phone: +64 7 378-7360
  address: 102 Tamamutu St

• Motel Taupo

  phone: +64 7 378-5992
  address: 50 Wharewaka Rd

Hotels

• The Cove

  phone: +64 7 378 7599
  address: 213 Lake Terrace

• Hilton Lake Taupo Hotel

  phone: +64 7 378 7080
  address: 80-100 Napier-Taupo Road

• Huka Falls Resort

  phone: +64 7 378 5333
  address: 56 Huka Falls Rd, Rangitira Park

• Mainstay Lakeland Resort

  phone: +64 7 378 3893
  address: 282 Lake Terrace

• Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuels

  phone: +64 7 378 5110
  address: 243 Lake Terrace, Waipahihi

• Quality Inn Lake Taupo

  phone: +64 7 376 0116
  address: 100-102 Lake Terrace

• Suncourt Hotel

  phone: +64 7 378 8265
  address: 14 Northcroft St

• Wairakei Resort

  phone: +64 7 374 9004
  address: Wairakei Dr, Wairakei

Boutique accommodation/lodges

• Acacia Waters

  phone: +64 7 3771539
  address: 27 Te Urunga Pl, Acacia Bay

• Aultmore Hollow

  phone: +64 7 3337983
  address: 615 River Rd, Broadlands

• Chalet Eiger

  phone: +64 7 378 7224
  address: Acacia Bay

• Huka Lodge

  phone: +64 7 378 5791
  address: 271 Huka Falls Rd

• Lake Taupo Lodge

  phone: +64 7 378 7386
  address: 41 Mapara Rd, Acacia Bay

• The Pillars

  phone: +64 7 378 1512
  address: 7 Deborah Rise, Bowman Park

• The Point Villas

  phone: +64 7 579 3152
  address: Rangatira Point

• Tauhara Sunrise Lodge

  phone: +64 7 376 8555
  address: 38 Mapara Rd, Acacia Bay
  Two suites and a cottage.

• Te Moenga Lodge

  phone: +64 7 378 0437
  address: 60 Te Moenga Park, Acacia Bay

Apartments

• Voyager Apartments Taupo

  phone: +64 7 378 7487
  address: 9 Tui St
  Fifty metres from the lake-front, one km south of the main shopping precinct. Comprises 16 superior 4.5 star rated 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, suitable for short and long term stays and 16 smaller studio studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

• Taupo Police

  phone: +64 7 378 6060
  address: 21 Story Pl
  In an emergency, dial 111 and ask for Police.

Internet access

Accessing the Internet is simple and easy, with Internet cafes and wireless hotspots available in the city centre, motels, restaurants, bars and clubs.
Several wireless hotspots cover a large area.

• TOMIZONE

• Kordia METRO WIFI

• FIVO

Taupo can be used as a base to see the surrounding country, including Turangi, Tongariro National Park, Waiouru and the western bays.