Our favourite things in and around Taupo

Kate
Our favourite things in and around Taupo

Sightseeing

The falls are just really impressive, free and occasionally you'll see an insane kayaker going over them. There are good walks back to Spa Park, which has a really popular hotpool that you can soak in (again it's free) or alongside the river towards Aratiatia Dam (it's 7km one-way to the dam - so maybe not all the way unless you're a keen runner).
205 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Huka Falls station
205 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
The falls are just really impressive, free and occasionally you'll see an insane kayaker going over them. There are good walks back to Spa Park, which has a really popular hotpool that you can soak in (again it's free) or alongside the river towards Aratiatia Dam (it's 7km one-way to the dam - so maybe not all the way unless you're a keen runner).
The Aratiatia dam forms part of the Aratiatia Power Station (enabling water to be diverted through the power station). The dam gates are opened daily at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm (in summer) releasing 65,000l of water per second. It's an interesting and impressive site. And there's also a walkway above the old river bed/rapids with a number of viewpoints. Note, the river bed/rapids are dangerous given the quickly changing water levels. Access is not permitted.
36 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Aratiatia Dam
155 Rapids Rd
36 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
The Aratiatia dam forms part of the Aratiatia Power Station (enabling water to be diverted through the power station). The dam gates are opened daily at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm (in summer) releasing 65,000l of water per second. It's an interesting and impressive site. And there's also a walkway above the old river bed/rapids with a number of viewpoints. Note, the river bed/rapids are dangerous given the quickly changing water levels. Access is not permitted.

Parks & Nature

Tongariro North Domain
If you’re heading to Rotorua and want hotpools in quite a natural setting, Kerosene Creek is lovely (and it’s free). It's just a stream with a small waterfall (2 1/2m high) that opens out into a shallow pool. The setting is very natural - so the bush and stream etc, but it's not swimming pool like e.g. there's sediment in the water. Has become quite busy recently.
47 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Kerosene Creek
Old Waiotapu Road
47 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
If you’re heading to Rotorua and want hotpools in quite a natural setting, Kerosene Creek is lovely (and it’s free). It's just a stream with a small waterfall (2 1/2m high) that opens out into a shallow pool. The setting is very natural - so the bush and stream etc, but it's not swimming pool like e.g. there's sediment in the water. Has become quite busy recently.
Mt Tauhara is our favourite walk in Taupo. It's a reasonably tough walk but the views from the top are really worth it with both views over Taupo and the lake but also amazing views east inland towards Napier. Wouldn't recommend if you have dodgy knees, and it's worth having decent shoes e.g. non-slip.
31 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Mount Tauhara
31 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Mt Tauhara is our favourite walk in Taupo. It's a reasonably tough walk but the views from the top are really worth it with both views over Taupo and the lake but also amazing views east inland towards Napier. Wouldn't recommend if you have dodgy knees, and it's worth having decent shoes e.g. non-slip.
Lovely gardens (35ha) maintained by volunteers with views of the Lake. Great for a picnic or a walk/run.
24 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
Shepherd Road
24 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Lovely gardens (35ha) maintained by volunteers with views of the Lake. Great for a picnic or a walk/run.
Spa Park is a fantastic park alongside the Waikato River with a free thermal stream to soak in, kids pump track, flying fox, play equipment, disc golf, dog walking and walks either in the park, along or above the river to Huka Falls. The walkway along the river to Huka Falls is 3.3km one-way. You can continue on to Aratiatia dam if you're wanting a longer walk. https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/scenic-attractions/spa-thermal-park-to-huka-falls-walk/. You can't bike along the walkway but you can bike along the alternative track above the river. https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/scenic-attractions/huka-trails/ NOTE - Otumuhere Stream: When we last visited (April 2022) the water temperature had dropped so the stream was too cool to soak in.
54 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Spa Thermal Park
54 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Spa Park is a fantastic park alongside the Waikato River with a free thermal stream to soak in, kids pump track, flying fox, play equipment, disc golf, dog walking and walks either in the park, along or above the river to Huka Falls. The walkway along the river to Huka Falls is 3.3km one-way. You can continue on to Aratiatia dam if you're wanting a longer walk. https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/scenic-attractions/spa-thermal-park-to-huka-falls-walk/. You can't bike along the walkway but you can bike along the alternative track above the river. https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/scenic-attractions/huka-trails/ NOTE - Otumuhere Stream: When we last visited (April 2022) the water temperature had dropped so the stream was too cool to soak in.

Essentials

If you need a dryer these guys are good.
spa road laundromat 2016
177 Spa Rd
If you need a dryer these guys are good.
74 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
PAK'nSAVE
131 Ruapehu St
74 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
72 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Countdown Taupo
Tongariro Street
72 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ

Drinks & Nightlife

Okay nightlife mightn't be the right category but the Sailing Centre is lovely - good pizza, beers and live music on Sundays (just the owner and his friends playing good 80's classics).
69 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Two Mile Bay Sailing Club
331 Lake Terrace
69 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Okay nightlife mightn't be the right category but the Sailing Centre is lovely - good pizza, beers and live music on Sundays (just the owner and his friends playing good 80's classics).