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Town in the North Island of New Zealand
Photo: Phillip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Taupō, also written Taupo, is a town on the northern shore of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, in the central North Island. It is a popular tourist destination due to its lake, boating, trout fishing, geothermal attractions, waterfalls, outdoor activities and proximity to the North Island's highest mountains. It is built around the lake's outlet into the Waikato River, the country's longest river.
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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.
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.
A pretty lakeside village 15 minutes drive west of Taupō.
A small museum near the centre of town behind the Great Lake Centre. Contains exhibits on the volcanic, Maori and early European history of Taupō. 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.
Has 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.
An easy 45 min (2.75 km) walk through an active and ever-changing other-worldly geothermal wonderland.
"The Hidden Valley" of Orakei Korako contains geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs, large silica terraces and the majestic Ruatapu Caves.
This is at 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.
Minimum height 100cm (3 ft 3.5 in).
Minimum height 100 cm (3 ft 3½ in), life & spray jackets are provided.
The Barbary is a 1926 racing yacht with an interesting history. It is quite popular and a good option for a sunny day.
Taupo Launchmens Association
Chartered trout fishing service.
Chartered trout fishing & sightseeing.
Fishing & cruising.
Trout fishing & sightseeing.
Chartered trout fishing.
Professional guiding services by Andrew Christmas.
Guided fly fishing & casting lessons.
Fly fishing specialists.
Half or full day guided walks on Mt Titiraupenga.
The Ultimate Adrenalin Combo
From the end of the road, walk down to the hot-water Otumuheke Stream, where it flows into the Waikato River. There are hotter natural pools further up the stream from the confluence. There are toilets and changing rooms. You can also walk downstream along the Waikato River to Huka Falls.
DeBretts
Taupō's only cinema is closed (as of March 2024) for a planned relocation.
formerly Taupo Puzzle World
Fun & Animal Park
Bookings essential.
Bookings for all Taupo-based adventure tourism.
EventFinder.co.nz
A more list of the events in Taupō.
Started in 1977 with just 30 riders, this 153-km 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.
Taupō 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.
New 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.
A team challenge to overcome poverty and injustice offers you a rewarding physical endeavour.
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 9AM-4:30PM.
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.
Fantastic, refreshing and thirst quenching juices.
Bar and gaming lounge.
Irish/backpackers bar.
Aa spectacular tropical style, geothermally heated pool with swim-up bar and a café. 5 minutes from Taupō city centre and sprawled across 8 hectares of park land. surrounded by nature. It offers comfortable, clean accommodation ranging from motels, cabins and sites for your campervan, RV, tent or boat.
Finlay Jack's Backpackers
Two suites and a cottage.
50 m from the lake-front, 1 km south of the main shopping precinct. Comprises 16 superior 4½ 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.
Seasonal fruits & veges, cakes & biscuits, apparel, lavender products, free range eggs, jewellery, bread, curios & collectables, preserves, arts & craft, books & flowers. Also car boot sale - first Saturday of every month.
By bus
Intercity offers coach services to Taupō several times a day from throughout the North Island.
By car
Taupō 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.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Taupo · Regional · TUO
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