Taupo on Lake Taupō

Taupo lies at the northern end of Lake Taupō, which covers an area of 622 square kilometres. The lakeshore, paths and geothermal landscape give the town different facets: you can enjoy views across the lake, explore the Great Lake Pathway or discover native plants in the Ora Garden at the Taupō Museum. When choosing holiday accommodation in Taupo, it is worth first considering which of these experiences you want to make the focus of your trip.

Lakeside path with lake and mountain views

From Taupo Boat Harbour, the Great Lake Pathway follows the Taupō waterfront. From there, views stretch across Lake Taupō to Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. The Great Lake Pathway, also known as Lion's Walk, is 12.7 kilometres long, paved and shared. It is graded level 1 and is mostly flat, with only gentle inclines. Both walks and cycle rides along the lakeshore are possible here. The route’s length is a useful guide when deciding how much time to set aside for an outing along the path.

Another route is the Huka Falls Rotary Ride, which runs from Taupō past Huka Falls to the Aratiatia Dam. It follows the Waikato River. This gives you a choice of different landscapes: the Great Lake Pathway is defined by the waterfront and views across the lake, while the Huka Falls Rotary Ride follows a river and takes in Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Dam. These two options can shape your Taupo itinerary in different ways.

Geothermal experiences and water activities

At the Taupō Museum, the Ora Garden features native plants and steaming geothermal areas typical of the central North Island. The garden complements the lake and river landscapes with a glimpse of native plants and geothermal features. If you would like to experience this distinctive landscape as well as outdoor paths during your trip, the Ora Garden is a separate place to visit.

Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs has outdoor and indoor pools, private pools and spa treatments. There is an interactive warm-water play area for children. The water slides include two heated racing slides, as well as a dragon waterslide and two new curved waterslides. The facilities therefore include pools and spa treatments, as well as areas for water play and slides. Families who would like to include these water activities in their stay can consider Taupō DeBretts when choosing places to visit, without needing to plan every day of their holiday in the same way.

Which holiday accommodation is right for your trip?

Shape your search for holiday accommodation around which of Taupo’s different facets matter most for your trip.

If you would like to discover other places, you can also find Oruanui, Kinloch, Wairakei, Iwitahi, Kuratau, Mokai, Turangi and Tokaanu.

For the broader travel overview: Taupo District.