Food Scene
Cafe Baku
42 Roberts StA 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 RdA 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 StAt 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
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 TerraceSo 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 StQuirky 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
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 PlA 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 5A 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
PAK'nSAVE
131 Ruapehu StOne 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 StExcellent 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 StRainy 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 5A soak in the hot pools is especially good after a day on the slopes at Mount Ruapehu, or on a rainy day.