Best Things to do in Taupō | Adventures & Activities Not to Miss!
Located in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, Taupo is a destination that offers adventure and relaxation in equal measure. Where bungy jumps and jet boat rides promise to get your blood pumping; geothermally heated hot pools, sailing trips, and lush gardens provide a calming counterbalance.
Home to the largest freshwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s understandable that many Taupo attractions focus on this natural resource. From kayaking in secluded bays and cruising past Maori rock carvings to thrilling parasailing and jet ski rides, Lake Taupo is the centrepiece of the region.
But the adventure doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. Volcanic landscapes, steaming craters, thundering waterfalls, and native forests provide ample opportunities for exploring. Add to that a thriving food scene, boutique shopping, and a warm Kiwi welcome (Taupo was recently named among the most welcoming places on Earth), it’s worthy of a top spot on your New Zealand itinerary.
Geothermal Attractions in Taupo
While nearby Rotorua often steals the spotlight for geothermal wonders, Taupo impresses with a spectacular display of steaming vents, bubbling lakes, and natural hot springs. And many of these geothermal attractions are free to visit!
Craters of the Moon
An easy-going walk around a smouldering landscape, the Craters of the Moon geothermal park offers an educational insight into Taupo’s geology. The self-guided circular tour takes between 45 minutes to an hour to complete, with an optional offshoot for elevated views.
You’ll pass by hissing vents, eerie craters, and bubbling mud pools – with educational signs explaining the natural phenomena you’re witnessing.
It’s one of the cheaper geothermal attractions to visit, at just $10 per adult and $5 for kids 5-15. Or bring the whole family for $25.
Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
Much more than your typical spa, Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa combines natural marvels and cultural highlights, with wellness and relaxation experiences. While the whole family can enjoy a walk through the Wairakei Terraces, the pools are an adults-only (14yo+) zone.
The swim admission will allow you access to the mineral-rich pools, that are fed directly from the silica terraces onsite, as well as drawing geothermal water through an underground network. The four pools have different temperatures, to cater to all sensitivities and from my experience, they never get crowded.
Purchasing a ticket to the Terrace Walk gives you access to a marked trail next door to the pools (but excludes pool access). The highlight of this walk is a gushing geyser and silica terraces, which disappointingly are man-made (although truth be told, I hadn’t realised it was manmade when I visited).
Follow the trail alongside a tranquil stream and you’ll be led to a Maori Village, where you can view traditional huts and pouwhenua (carved wooden posts) depicting ancestors of the Taupo region.
Finally, spa treatments including massages and facials are available to book in advance. Top off your visit with a treat from the onsite cafe.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park
A short drive from Taupo Central lies one of the most active geothermal areas in New Zealand. Orakei Korako Geothermal Park, also known as The Hidden Valley, is where you’ll find geysers (over 30 of them!), burbling mud pools, steaming streams and stunning natural silica terraces.
It’s also home to New Zealand’s only geothermal cave, with a hot spring at the bottom called the Waiwhakaata, the Pool of Mirrors. Access to the pool isn’t allowed, but you can view it from the platforms above.
Walking around the park takes about 1-2 hours, and if you’re travelling with your pooch they can come too! It’s one of the few geothermal attractions in the area that allows dogs on site.
Spa Thermal Park
If you’re looking for free things to do in Taupo, this is by far the best! The Spa Thermal Park borders the Waikato River and is home to dog-friendly walking trails, cycling trails, a fitness circuit, and playgrounds. But its most popular feature is the Otumuheke Stream – a naturally heated stream that flows into the Waikato and creates an area of warm bathing water at the edge of the river.
Near these free hot pools, you’ll find changing facilities and toilets, a cafe, and platforms to sit and take it all in. Just be aware that Waikato River has a strong current, so it’s recommended to stay in the pools or the calm inlet.
From the thermal park, there’s a lovely bush walk alongside the river that will take you to the Huka Falls (more on this below).
Hot Water Beach
You may have heard of the famous Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel (it’s included in my list of the best things to do in New Zealand!), but you probably didn’t know that Taupo has its own version.
On the pebbled shores of the lake, you can dig a little hot pool, or simply sit on the edge of the water where the hot geothermal water mixes with the cool lake to create a bath-like temperature.
Park along Lake Terrace and wander down the lake walkway to around this marked spot. Do be aware that the water can get very hot, so you may want to bring a bucket to mix in some fresh lake water if you plan on digging a pool.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley (Easy Day Trip)
The Waimangu Volcanic Valley is an easy day trip from Taupo, at less than an hour’s scenic drive. It’s well worth the journey to walk through the park, taking in the steaming lakes, bubbling streams, and the iconic Inferno Crater Lake.
You can easily spend 3-5 hours here enjoying the marked trails, hiking the Mt Haszard trail, and boarding a cruise at Lake Rotomahana for a guided tour.
Do be aware, that it’s best to plan your arrival for the morning so that you have ample time to take in the expansive park. The last bus back to the entrance is at 4.30, for a 5 pm closure.
Kerosene Creek
On your way back to Taupo from the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, stop by Kerosene Creek – another free hot pool experience. This hot water stream is located down a gravel road (here), so you have to know what you’re looking for, but chances are you won’t be alone when you arrive.
Leave your car at the end of the road (don’t leave valuables in your car as break-ins are common in this spot), and head down the dirt path through the trees. You’ll see the creek almost immediately, but follow alongside it for a little while longer until you reach the clearing.
There are a series of small pools and a shallow waterfall into a larger pool. They’re beautifully hot. So find a spot and relax in the natural surroundings. Just remember not to put your head underwater to avoid the “brain-eating amoebas” entering your nose (yes it’s a real & scary thing, but fortunately very rare – find out more here).
Walks & Nature Activities
Pack your hiking shoes and swimsuit, and put the following walks and water-centric activities on your bucket list when visiting Taupo!
Huka Falls
One of Taupo’s most popular attractions, Huka Falls offers an amazing insight into the powerful force of nature. Around 220,000 litres of fresh water gets hurtled through a narrow gorge every second, before plummeting down an 11m waterfall. It’s a mighty thing to witness and to hear the thundering water as it navigates the narrow channel.
To see it, you can simply drive to the Huka Falls carpark (here), and walk the short distance over the bridge to join the walking trails on the other side. Or you can walk there from the Spa Thermal Park. There’s also a separate mountain biking trail from the Spa Park, should you wish to take this instead.
If seeing the falls from land is impressive, you can imagine the thrill of seeing them from the water! The Hukafalls Jet Ride allows you to do just that – on a 30-minute action-packed ride on the Waikato River to the base of the waterfall.
Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings
A highlight of any trip to Taupo is visiting the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings. These contemporary carvings (they were completed in the late 1970s), establish a cultural link between the Maori people and their ancestors.
Created in the likeness of Ngātoroirangi, one of the early explorers to the region, the carvings were shrouded in controversy when they were initially crafted by Matahi Brightwell and his team. But these days they are celebrated for the skillmanship showcased and their cultural importance.
The carvings can only be viewed from the water, so the most common way is to take a boat tour (this is the one I took). Kayak tours are also available, or you can hire a kayak or paddleboard from Acacia Bay and paddle the short distance yourself.
Rangatira Point Walking Track
A short but scenic walk through untamed natural bush, the Rangatira Point Walking Track follows the edge of the lake and reveals many hidden beaches and attractions that would otherwise go unseen.
Start your walk at this car park, or drive directly to this one at the end of Acacia Bay Road. This is what I did, and judging by the number of cars parked here, it’s the more popular option. From this second car park, the trail cuts through the bush to the coast where it roughly follows the shoreline.
You’ll pass by a tiny boat jetty and many little pebbled coves that are perfect for a solo dip. Keep going though, because the real beauty is at Rangatira Point and Whakamoenga Point – ideal places to sunbathe on the smooth rocks, enjoy a picnic, and ease yourself into the lake.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Maori Statue hiding at the edge of the bush behind Rangatire Point.
Aratiatia Rapids
Unlike the nearby Huka Falls, the rapids at Aratiatia are influenced in part by human interference. Several times a day, the gates of the Aratiatia Dam open, creating a sudden surge of water through a natural gorge. This timed release sees a dramatic increase in the water level and velocity of the rapids as thousands of litres of water rush from the Waikato River through a narrow volcanic gully.
This spectacle takes place every two hours between 10am – 4pm in summer. With the last release being at 2pm in the winter. Be sure to get there a good 10-15 minutes beforehand in order to park your car and make your way down the marked trails to where you’ll find viewing platforms.
The first is a 5-minute walk, and the second is a 10-minute walk from the free car park. Bring good walking shoes as the paths can get slippery underfoot.
Acacia Bay
We got married at Acacia Bay many years ago, so I may be a little biased, but I think it’s the most beautiful bay in Taupo. It has a lively seaside (or in this case, lakeside) holiday town feel that really comes alive in the warmer months.
It’s a haven for boaties, and there are two jetties to launch off on adventures, and another just up the road at Te Moenga Bay. If you don’t have your own vessel, you can hire a kayak or paddleboard from Taupo Kayaking Adventures to get out on the lake. They also offer kayaking tours to the rock carvings.
Acacia Bay North Jetty doubles as a popular beach where families gather for the day to swim, play, and launch off the rope swing.
Waipahihi Botanical Reserve
Step into a world of wonder at Waipahihi Botanical Reserve. With incredible lake and mountain views, endless garden trails, and a diverse display of native flora – it’s the perfect place to go for a quiet afternoon walk or picnic.
Free to enter (although donations are appreciated), you can drive right into the gardens and stop at any of the parking bays along the circular drive.
Embark on one of the longer trails, or take a short walk through the flower gardens – the choice is yours. Just don’t forget to look out for kererū (New Zealand’s native wood pigeons), fantails, silvereyes, tuis and even kaka if you’re especially lucky!
Swimming & Water Sports
Lake Taupo is known as the “inland sea of New Zealand”, and there are countless ways to enjoy it.. Whether it’s zipping around on jet skis, floating on an inflatable mattress, or cliff diving near the Maori rock carvings – the lake offers endless possibilities!
Visitors can hire pedal boats, doughboats, or banana boats to explore the coastline and hidden bays. Or get active by renting a kayak or SUP. Don’t forget your snorkel for exploring the underwater world, and you may see freshwater crayfish, trout and eels.
There are numerous beaches for sunbathing and splashing about too – my favourites are at Kinloch, Acacia Bay, and of course the main town beach. In the evening, this central beach is full of local families and visitors picnicking and enjoying the water, while watching the sun sink into the hills in the distance.
Other Popular Activities in Taupo
Got a thirst for adventure? Why not give parasailing a go, or dare to try the famous Taupo Bungy. Got a good swing? There’s a challenge below for keen golfers too..
Taupo Bungy & Swing
I wasn’t brave enough to throw myself off the Taupo Bungy, but maybe you will be! Positioned on a cliff, high above the Waikato River, jumpers will drop a terrifying 47 meters into the gorge – with the option to touch the water at the bottom – before bouncing a few times to add to the thrill.
If you’re not keen on bungy, there’s also the option of the swing, which features an initial freefall before a rollercoaster-like ride between the cliffs. Whichever experience you choose, it’s sure to make your trip to Taupo unforgettable!
Taupo Parasail
Choose a solo, tandem or triple parasail flight above Lake Taupo and you’ll be treated to an exhilarating experience! Hop aboard a boat and be hoisted into the air for a 12-minute flight above the lake.
If you dare, you can also choose to take part in a “parasail freefall” where you’ll parachute down 40 stories, before being whisked back up into the sky.
Taupo Museum & Art Gallery
In the centre of town, wedged between the marina and the Taupo Domain Playground, you’ll find the Taupo Museum and Art Gallery. It’s a great place to learn about the history of Taupo, through riveting local stories and artefacts, and it’s full of interesting relics of New Zealand history.
It’ll probably only take an hour or so out of your day to pop in and learn more about the area, so don’t miss it. Afterwards, you can take a stroll through the fragrant rose garden next door.
Lake Taupo Hole-in-One Challenge
A must-do for any golfing fans out there (or anyone who wants to try their luck), the Lake Taupo Hole in One challenge offers punters the chance to win a $10,000 cash prize. But there’s a catch. The winning (red flag) hole is 102 metres away on a floating pontoon in the lake!
Runners-up who manage to get a hole in one in the other two holes (blue & white flags) won’t walk away empty-handed – there are lots of prizes to be won including entrance to many of the local attractions and activities we’ve mentioned above!
You can bring your own clubs, but you do have to pay for balls, of course, with prices starting at $10 for 5 balls, and up to $50 for 50 balls. It’s an activity for the whole family, as children as young as 8 are allowed to have a go. When I visited, an 11-year-old was the most recent winner of the $10k prize!
McDonald’s Taupo Plane
I’m not normally a fan of McDonald’s, but this is one I can get on board with (pun intended) – as you can dine inside a decommissioned DC3 plane! This unique feature is an iconic site in Taupo, and it’s been named among the “world’s coolest McDonalds” as a consequence.
Hop Aboard a Float Plane & See it All from Above
Taupo’s floatplanes offer scenic flights so you can see all the best attractions from the air. from as little as $140, you can experience a “taste of Taupo”. But for a more in-depth exploration, consider the “Peek of the Lake” or “Western Bay Explorer” options.
Personally, the Mt Ruapehu Scenic flight is the one on my bucket list! This 1-hour flight gives you a bird’s eye view of Mt Ruapehu – New Zealand’s highest volcano – as well as the emerald lakes and craters that make up Mt Tongariro.
Whatever kind of adventure you’re seeking in Taupo, you’re sure to find it. This friendly little town punches above its weight when it comes to thrilling and fascinating experiences. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, I’m sure you’ll always have something new to discover – I know I do!
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