Top Things to Do in the Taupo | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Taupo

Places To Visit In Taupo

Spa Thermal Park

The Spa Thermal Park and Recreational Reserve is a public park in Taupo, New Zealand and is famous for rejuvenating hot springs. The springs are part of the geothermal activity famous in the area and the Otumuheke Stream has piping hot geothermal water with the benefits of sulfur. The stream combines with the Waikato River and has calming pools for visitors to immerse themselves. You can soak in and enjoy the deep-green, crystal-clear waters of the river with greenery all around you. The Spa Thermal Park is about a 25 minute’s walk from the Taupo Town Centre. There are many walking tracks along the riverbank and a small café on site. The Park also has a 7km long walking trail through native bush that takes about 2 hours to reach the stunning Huka Falls. The 11m high waterfall on the Waikato River features beautiful natural surroundings. Read More

Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs is located in a steaming thermal valley and you can soothe all your troubles away in their hot mineral pools with outstanding views. The hot springs are suitable for a day out with the family or couples seeking a romantic getaway. Children can enjoy hydro slides and two thermal heated slides and a children’s interactive warm water play area. There are three main pools with waterfalls and bubbling hydrotherapy spots as well as 12 private pools. The Hot Springs are located just a kilometer from Lake Taupo. If you wish to stay overnight you can choose from a wide range of accommodation ranging from spa chalets to luxury lodges, or opt for campervans, cabins and campsites. You can also allow yourself to be tempted by a range of treatments like facials and massages at the Living Waters Day Spa to relax and unwind. The park allows you to soak all your stress away. Families can enjoy a picnic or rent one of the many BBQ areas. Read More

Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery offers visitors the chance to discover artworks by local and national artists and learn about Taupo’s history. The museum features vibrant exhibitions with beautiful Maori pieces, nautical exhibits, wood carvings, vintage items and other art displays. There are spaces for contemporary art displays by upcoming artists who showcase sculptures, paintings, photographs and visual displays. Some of the highlights of the museum include a Kiwiana Caravan that dates back to the 1960s, a carved Maori meeting house, a moa skeleton and a replica of a 19th Century shop. You can also observe displays of fishing and living on the water. You can also experience a virtual tour of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and also get a peek into the industrial and cultural life of Taupo using interactive technology. The exhibitions showcase how the city evolved throughout history and you can view a huge wooden sculpture of Ruaumoko, the God of earthquakes and volcanoes. You can find artifacts in the Tuwharetoa gallery that showcase the heritage of Tuwharetoa, the local Maori tribe. One of the most interesting features of the museum is the Ore Garden which is considered a living exhibit and a perfect way to end your visit. This is a geothermal landscape that features man-made silica terraces and over 1,000 native plants. You can also observe the hand-carved wooden sculptures among the endangered plants. Read More

Taupo Tandem Skydiving is located on the shores of the gorgeous Lake Taupo in the Central North Island of New Zealand. This is the country’s original tandem drop zone and they have jumped over 200,000 people. The adventure begins with a scenic flight across the central plateau and passes the largest lake in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Taupo. The flight also overlooks the mountains of Tongariro National Park and beautiful snow-capped volcanoes. There are four different heights to choose from; 9,000ft, 12,000ft 15,000ft and 18,000ft and they even offer free pickups from Rotorua and Taupo. If the altitude is higher, you can enjoy a greater time of freefall up to 75 seconds and can reach speeds of 200kph. After an intense freefall, you will enjoy a calming parachute ride back to the drop zone. The tandem masters are trained and all equipment is provided including a harness and jumpsuit. They also offer YouTube uploads, HD footage, videography and free buffs. You can also jump in groups and enjoy an exhilarating experience. There is no age limit but visitors below the age of 18 need a consent form signed by a parent/guardian. Read More

Tongariro North Domain is a public park located in Taupo, New Zealand. It features a unique playground, picnic areas, museum, beautiful gardens and seasonal miniature train rides. There is a life size chess board and different climbing structures and swings. You can stroll across beautiful rose gardens and observe various sculptures. You can also feed ducks at the lakefront and may even notice black swans. You can even pop in to the Taupo Public Library located at the domain or visit the on-site café for a snack. The northern side of the domain is popular for Taupo Riverside Markets on Saturday and you can find local produce, local sellers and many shops selling homemade articles. You can also walk ahead to find the quieter trails and enjoy the greenery or walk around the marina to enjoy sunset views. Read More

Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary has a world class golfing experience with a strong focus on conservation and providing a safe haven for wildlife. You can spot native kiwi, fallow deer, takahe and many native birds like peking ducks, guinea fowl, and coloured pheasants. You can play your way through 18 holes and be surrounded by streams and waterfalls. There are large landing zones dotted with water hazards and doglegs that make it challenging. There are golf carts and clubs available for hire, a fully stocked shop and PGA Pro golf lessons available. Golfers can warm up on practice ranges or work on their short game in the putting green or bunker area. You can experience playing on a world class championship course and be immersed in stunning sights of over 450 acres of natural countryside. The clubhouse features a bar as well as a dining area and is excellent as a corporate golf venue. Read More

Wairakei Terraces is a wellness center and thermal health spa where you can enjoy the benefits of geothermal and mineral rich water. You can enjoy this holistic experience in the Wairakei geothermal valley in Taupo, New Zealand. The area is surrounded by native bush and features abundant natural silica pools. Natural springs have always been used by the Maori for healing, wellness, and bathing and Wairakei Terraces continues this tradition. You can enjoy relaxing baths, mud pools and beauty treatments to re-energize and revitalize the mind. The pools here draw healing properties from geothermal terraces and silica water about 1.5km below the ground and you can immerse yourself in natural heat. They are meant for adults of 14 years and above. The thermal pools relax the body and leave you feeling moisturized. There are four different pools at four different temperatures and the waters constitute silica, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and other beneficial ingredients. The spa offers various services like hot stone massages, deep tissue massages or different facials using herbal balms and oils. You can also enjoy a self-guided terrace walk across Te Kiri o Hinekai stream and view natural pools, intricate Maori carvings, a gushing geyser and steam vents. Read More

Wairakei Thermal Valley is located in Taupo, New Zealand and is an ancient active geothermal location. It features many mud pools, silica formations, hot springs, geysers and geothermal vents. You can pamper yourself in the hot springs surrounded by lush green nature as well as rare and endangered plants. The area also features an abundance of native wildlife and farm animals like sheep, hens, fowls and alpacas. Visitors can also spot peacocks and the place is a popular bird-watching site. The Wairakei Thermal Valley is a 10-minute drive from central Taupo. You can explore the Thermal Walkway that encircles the valley and even check how hot the ground is using a thermometer. Information panels along the way explain how the Wairakei Power Station harnesses geothermal energy and converts it into electricity. You can book small cozy cottages if you want to stay here overnight. There is also a camping ground, caravan site, children’s playground area and on-site café. You can indulge in home baked goods, Devonshire teas and the popular caramel slice. This is a nature lovers paradise and you will leave feeling rejuvenated. Read More

Whakaipo Bay is a beautiful bay about 10km from central Taupo. It is a great spot run by the Department of Conservation for camping in self contained vehicles in farm park surroundings and native bush. Camping is allowed for four consecutive days only. The road beginning from Mapara road is unpaved for 2km but still very accessible by car and motorhomes. This hidden gem has crystal clear waters and is very safe for swimming. You can also go sunbathing, kayaking, boating, or enjoy a picnic with picturesque views. Whakaipo Bay is also the entrance to the W2K Track which is a part of the Whakaipo section of New Zealand’s Great Lake Trails. The trail has sweeping views of Lake Taupo and ends at the charming seaside village of Kinloch. The trail is graded as intermediate and is 13km long with a few scenic spots along the way. You can also choose to mountain bike on this trail. The Headland Loop trail is an additional 9.5km to this trail and adds a little more difficulty. You will enjoy even more stunning views of the Tongariro National Park, Karangahape Cliffs and Kaimanawa Ranges. If you begin mountain biking from Kinloch, this trail provides a very smooth and fast descent to Whaikapo Bay. You can book a shuttle to pick you up at either end or book a water taxi. Read More