A day out in Taupō
Taupō is in Waikato, New Zealand. Hopalong knows 7 things to do and 2 places to eat here, plus day trips to Tongariro. Prices are approximate adult prices in NZ$.
Top things to do in Taupō
Huka Falls
Free · Huka Falls · about 60 min
220,000 litres a second through a narrow gorge.
Craters of the Moon
NZ$10 · Craters of the Moon · about 60 min
Steaming geothermal valley on boardwalks.
Māori rock carvings cruise
NZ$50 · Lakefront · about 120 min
Cruise to the modern carvings at Mine Bay.
Lake Taupō lakefront
Free · Lakefront · about 60 min
Lake views to the volcanoes and a big playground.
Spa Thermal Park hot stream
Free · Spa Park · about 60 min
Free natural hot stream where it meets the river.
Taupō DeBretts hot pools
NZ$25 · Lakefront · about 90 min
Thermal pools and hydroslides.
Mt Tauhara summit track
Free · Tauhara · about 180 min
A dormant volcano with views over Lake Taupō to Tongariro on clear days.
Free things to do in Taupō
- Huka Falls (Huka Falls): 220,000 litres a second through a narrow gorge.
- Lake Taupō lakefront (Lakefront): Lake views to the volcanoes and a big playground.
- Spa Thermal Park hot stream (Spa Park): Free natural hot stream where it meets the river.
- Mt Tauhara summit track (Tauhara): A dormant volcano with views over Lake Taupō to Tongariro on clear days.
Where to eat
- Lunch on the lakefront (Lakefront, around NZ$25): Cafés facing the lake.
- Dinner in town (Town, around NZ$45): Restaurants on Tongariro Street.
Step-free and pram-friendly ideas
- Huka Falls · step-free
- Lake Taupō lakefront · step-free · pram-friendly
- Taupō DeBretts hot pools · step-free · pram-friendly
Access information can change. Check with the venue if access is essential.
Day trips from Taupō
Tongariro
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing (NZ$50): NZ's most famous day hike over volcanic terrain. Check the weather and book a shuttle.
Typical weather in Taupō
| Month | Low | High | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C | 23°C | 8 |
| April | 6°C | 17°C | 10 |
| July | 1°C | 11°C | 11 |
| October | 6°C | 17°C | 10 |
Approximate long-term averages, not a forecast.