Guidebook for Taupo

Julie
Guidebook for Taupo

Food Scene

A central cafe with great food and views, close to shops
42 locals recommend
Cafe Baku
42 Roberts St
42 locals recommend
A central cafe with great food and views, close to shops
A little out of town - great lake views on the way - and quirky artworks plus shop to go with your coffee.
70 locals recommend
L'arté Cafe & Gallery
255 Mapara Rd
70 locals recommend
A little out of town - great lake views on the way - and quirky artworks plus shop to go with your coffee.
At the top end of town, out of the hustle and bustle, with interesting decor and excellent food.
22 locals recommend
Victoria's Cafe Kitchen Bar
127 Tongariro St
22 locals recommend
At the top end of town, out of the hustle and bustle, with interesting decor and excellent food.

Sightseeing

Iconic Taupo - don't miss these beautiful falls just north of town.
205 locals recommend
Huka Falls station
205 locals recommend
Iconic Taupo - don't miss these beautiful falls just north of town.
So much to do! Swimming, fishing, parasailing, boat trips to the rock carvings and more ...
51 locals recommend
Lake Taupo
Lake Terrace
51 locals recommend
So much to do! Swimming, fishing, parasailing, boat trips to the rock carvings and more ...
Quirky and small, this boat makes several trips each day to the Maori rock carvings which have become one of Taupo's attractions over the past few decades.
19 locals recommend
Ernest Kemp Cruises
2 Redoubt St
19 locals recommend
Quirky and small, this boat makes several trips each day to the Maori rock carvings which have become one of Taupo's attractions over the past few decades.

Parks & Nature

History, culture and ecology - allow a whole day if you are travelling to the mountain.
14 locals recommend
Whakapapa Visitor Centre Department of Conservation
14 locals recommend
History, culture and ecology - allow a whole day if you are travelling to the mountain.

Arts & Culture

A special little museum that is fresh and full of local stories. It is home to the award-winning Garden of New Zealand, and regularly hosts new exhibitions.
55 locals recommend
Taupo Museum
4 Story Pl
55 locals recommend
A special little museum that is fresh and full of local stories. It is home to the award-winning Garden of New Zealand, and regularly hosts new exhibitions.

Shopping

A magical glass garden and stunning glassworks based on our local landscapes - with a great cafe and a chance to watch the glassblower in action.
50 locals recommend
Lava Glass - Glassblowing Studio, Sculpture Garden, Art Gallery, Café
165 State Hwy 5
50 locals recommend
A magical glass garden and stunning glassworks based on our local landscapes - with a great cafe and a chance to watch the glassblower in action.

Essentials

One of two main supermarkets in Taupo - both are in the centre of town.
74 locals recommend
PAK'nSAVE
131 Ruapehu St
74 locals recommend
One of two main supermarkets in Taupo - both are in the centre of town.
Excellent service and advice from this pharmacy, beside the traffic lights on the corner of Heuheu and Tongariro streets.
Unichem Mainstreet Pharmacy
51 Tongariro St
Excellent service and advice from this pharmacy, beside the traffic lights on the corner of Heuheu and Tongariro streets.

Entertainment & Activities

Rainy day option - or when you just need some time out of the sun in summer!
24 locals recommend
Starlight Cinema Centre
26 Horomātangi St
24 locals recommend
Rainy day option - or when you just need some time out of the sun in summer!
A soak in the hot pools is especially good after a day on the slopes at Mount Ruapehu, or on a rainy day.
38 locals recommend
Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs
State Highway 5
38 locals recommend
A soak in the hot pools is especially good after a day on the slopes at Mount Ruapehu, or on a rainy day.