New Zealand · Region
Taupo
Taupo sits on the shores of its namesake lake, New Zealand's largest, cradled inside a vast volcanic caldera that last erupted catastrophically around 1,800 years ago. The town is a gateway to geothermal valleys, trout-filled rivers and the snowy peaks of Tongariro National Park, making it as much an adventure base as a scenic stopover.
Top attractions
attraction Craters of the Moon: Taupo Travel Guide (4.3★)
Craters of the Moon is a geothermal walk at Wairakei, a short drive north of Taupō town off State Highway 1, where boardwalks loop past steam vents and bubbling craters. 4.3★ (3,733 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Huka Falls: Taupo Travel Guide (4.8★)
Huka Falls sits just north of Taupō town in Wairakei. A footbridge crosses the gorge where the Waikato River squeezes through and pushes up to 220,000 litres of water per second over the drop. 4.8★ (13,106 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Top-rated things to do in Taupo
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Where to stay in Taupo
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Plan your trip to Taupo
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Frequently asked questions about Taupo
How do I get to Taupo?
Most travellers reach Taupo by road or coach rather than rail, since no passenger train line serves the town. Taupo Airport (TUO) has domestic flights to and from Auckland, while InterCity coaches link Taupo to Auckland, Wellington and other regional hubs, with the Auckland to Taupo drive taking ~3 to 4 hours.
How many days should I spend in Taupo?
Plan on ~2 to 3 days to cover the lakefront, geothermal sights and a short hike or watersports session, or longer if you're using Taupo as a base for Tongariro Alpine Crossing day trips.
What is Taupo known for?
Taupo sits on the shores of its namesake lake, New Zealand's largest, cradled inside a vast volcanic caldera that last erupted catastrophically around 1,800 years ago. The town is a gateway to geothermal valleys, trout-filled rivers and the snowy peaks of Tongariro National Park, making it as much an adventure base as a scenic stopover.