Guidebook for Taupo
Sightseeing
There are also some nice walking trails from the Huka Falls back into town.
205 locals recommend
Huka Falls station
There are also some nice walking trails from the Huka Falls back into town.
Best to go about 10 minutes before the water is released from the dam. This is done at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and during summer 4pm. Is more spectacular viewed from one of the higher viewing area's (not from the bridge).
36 locals recommend
Aratiatia Dam
155 Rapids Rd Best to go about 10 minutes before the water is released from the dam. This is done at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and during summer 4pm. Is more spectacular viewed from one of the higher viewing area's (not from the bridge).
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave
494 Orākei Kōrako RdHuka Falls River Cruise
Aratiatia RoadA quiet cruise to the base of the Huka Falls
Taupo's Floatplane
Redoubt StreetScenic flight
Waiotapu
Unique geothermal area
Parks & Nature
Famous for "Mount Doom" in the "Lord of the Rings" movies.
156 locals recommend
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Famous for "Mount Doom" in the "Lord of the Rings" movies.
Mount Tauhara
A good hike up the mountain with excellent views.
Opepe Memorial
A quiet bush walk with some historical past.
A nice Lake Taupo bay. No shops, a very rural setting. Is the start of a bike/ walk trail that goes to Kinloch
12 locals recommend
Whakaipo Bay
A nice Lake Taupo bay. No shops, a very rural setting. Is the start of a bike/ walk trail that goes to Kinloch
Mount Ruapehu
Skying in winter Hiking in summer
Timber Trail
Bike trail
Essentials
PAK'nSAVE
131 Ruapehu StGenerally cheaper prices
Countdown Taupo
Tongariro StreetGood selection, and open later than Pak'nSave
Has an outstanding selection of organic and gluten free food as well as a big range of other grocery items.
Bin Inn Wholefoods
27 Pāora Hapi StHas an outstanding selection of organic and gluten free food as well as a big range of other grocery items.
Everything Else
Lilliput Farm Fun And Animal Park
136 Link RdAnimal farm. Great for animal loving children.
Arts & Culture
Small local museum showing some early history of our area. Often runs art or other exhibitions.
55 locals recommend
Taupo Museum
4 Story PlSmall local museum showing some early history of our area. Often runs art or other exhibitions.
National Army Museum Waiouru
Hassett DriveNZ's Army War Museum
Food Scene
Great selection of yummy as well as healthy food. Turning up early is a good idea, they are rather popular!
22 locals recommend
Victoria's Cafe Kitchen Bar
127 Tongariro StGreat selection of yummy as well as healthy food. Turning up early is a good idea, they are rather popular!
Great food, very popular cafe. Usually very busy, so not the place if your looking for piece & Quiet.
27 locals recommend
Replete Cafe & Store
45 Te Heuheu StGreat food, very popular cafe. Usually very busy, so not the place if your looking for piece & Quiet.
Dixie Browns
38 Roberts StPopular restaurant with supper delicious deserts.
Cobb & Co. Taupo
29 Tongariro StFamily restaurant
Great smorgasbord on Sunday nights!!! Please note that the location on the map is not correct, it is on the Thermal Explorer Highway, south of BP Wairakei (and across the road)
Pavilion Restaurant
640 Wairakei DrGreat smorgasbord on Sunday nights!!! Please note that the location on the map is not correct, it is on the Thermal Explorer Highway, south of BP Wairakei (and across the road)
Piccolo Cafe
41 Ruapehu StGreat selection, very popular cafe.
Healthy food available as well as the usual cafe food. Is generally more peace and quiet here than a lot of the other cafe's
Fine Fettle Cafe
39 Pāora Hapi StHealthy food available as well as the usual cafe food. Is generally more peace and quiet here than a lot of the other cafe's
Entertainment & Activities
Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs
State Highway 5Very nice atmosphere. Hot pools, massage, water slide
AC Baths and Thermal Hot Pools station
Hot pools and water slide.
Rock'n Ropes
Karetoto RoadExhilarating high ropes course
Skydive Taupo
Jump at 15,000ft, stunning views
Rapids Jet
Nga Awa Purua RoadAdrenalin filled jet boat ride
Hukafalls Jet Taupo
200 Karetoto RdJetboat ride to the Huka Falls
Sail Fearless
65 Redoubt StSail to Taupo's famous Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings
Fish for prawns, good luck, they don't like being caught! Other activities also available.
40 locals recommend
Huka Prawn Park
200 Karetoto RdFish for prawns, good luck, they don't like being caught! Other activities also available.
Spa Park Hot Pools
281 Spa RdNatural hot water in the Waikato River