Guidebook for Taupo
Food Scene
Great coffee and food, and a fabulous art gallery attached. Lovely gardens with quirky mosaics and sculptures. Only open Wednesday to Sunday
70 locals recommend
L'arté Cafe & Gallery
255 Mapara RdGreat coffee and food, and a fabulous art gallery attached. Lovely gardens with quirky mosaics and sculptures. Only open Wednesday to Sunday
The Bistro
17 Tamamutu StExcellent food at a reasonable price. Chef Jude Messenger.
Local restaurant and bar. Does great gourmet pizzas and amazing meals.
25 locals recommend
The Bay Bar and Brasserie
703 Acacia Bay RdLocal restaurant and bar. Does great gourmet pizzas and amazing meals.
Sightseeing
Beautiful spot. You can walk the track from the falls to spa park in either direction (a bit hilly, about an hour walk each way) There is also a track in the opposite direction which eventually gets to Aratiatia Dam, another lovely spot. A longer walk, though.
205 locals recommend
Huka Falls station
Beautiful spot. You can walk the track from the falls to spa park in either direction (a bit hilly, about an hour walk each way) There is also a track in the opposite direction which eventually gets to Aratiatia Dam, another lovely spot. A longer walk, though.
Plan your drive to arrive at 12pm 2pm or 4pm when the water is released over the floodgates and watch the river flood. Not safe for swimming, as the water is treacherous when released.
36 locals recommend
Aratiatia Dam
155 Rapids RdPlan your drive to arrive at 12pm 2pm or 4pm when the water is released over the floodgates and watch the river flood. Not safe for swimming, as the water is treacherous when released.
Parks & Nature
It is a dusty bumpy drive down but a lovely quiet spot (usually). Bike tracks connect Whakaipo Bay with Kinloch, and then Kinloch with Kawakawa Bay. Worth doing if you are a mountain biker.
12 locals recommend
Whakaipo Bay
It is a dusty bumpy drive down but a lovely quiet spot (usually). Bike tracks connect Whakaipo Bay with Kinloch, and then Kinloch with Kawakawa Bay. Worth doing if you are a mountain biker.
Free natural hot pools on the edge of the Waikato River. Very popular, but well set up.
34 locals recommend
Spa Park Hot Pools
281 Spa RdFree natural hot pools on the edge of the Waikato River. Very popular, but well set up.
Activities
Beautiful setting, not overrun with children. Definitely worth the visit.
66 locals recommend
Wairakei Terraces
671 State Hwy 1Beautiful setting, not overrun with children. Definitely worth the visit.
Family friendly, least expensive pools in Taupo. Has slides, a sauna, and private pools.
26 locals recommend
AC Baths and Thermal Hot Pools station
Family friendly, least expensive pools in Taupo. Has slides, a sauna, and private pools.
Family friendly hot pools, with slides and private pools
38 locals recommend
Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs
State Highway 5Family friendly hot pools, with slides and private pools
Family friendly hot pools near Turangi, on way home from Mountains. One pool and private pools. Free walkway through thermal bush, worth doing.
54 locals recommend
Tokaanu Thermal Pools
Mangaroa StreetFamily friendly hot pools near Turangi, on way home from Mountains. One pool and private pools. Free walkway through thermal bush, worth doing.
A great day tramp, must be prepared with warm clothing, walking shoes, water and food. Get dropped off at one end and picked up the other. Not an easy stroll.
156 locals recommend
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
A great day tramp, must be prepared with warm clothing, walking shoes, water and food. Get dropped off at one end and picked up the other. Not an easy stroll.