Guidebook for Taupo
Food Scene
Iconic summer fish & chips at the lake side or on the deck admiring the views
10 locals recommend
The fish box
3 Rainbow DrIconic summer fish & chips at the lake side or on the deck admiring the views
Great wood fired pizzas in a relaxed setting overlooking the water. Live music a couple of times a week.
Two Mile Bay
Great wood fired pizzas in a relaxed setting overlooking the water. Live music a couple of times a week.
One of the best cafes in Taupo - 25 years and still going strong!
27 locals recommend
Replete Cafe & Store
45 Te Heuheu StOne of the best cafes in Taupo - 25 years and still going strong!
Year round dining with iconic lake views, with balcony dining in summer and fireside ambience in the winter.
7 locals recommend
Hilton Lake Taupo
80-100 Napier RdYear round dining with iconic lake views, with balcony dining in summer and fireside ambience in the winter.
Parks & Nature
90min climb to the top to get stunning 360 degree views of the whole of the lake and the rest of the Central Plateau. Unbeatable on a clear day!
31 locals recommend
Mount Tauhara
90min climb to the top to get stunning 360 degree views of the whole of the lake and the rest of the Central Plateau. Unbeatable on a clear day!
Easy 60min walk with scenic views from the bottom of the park to Huka Falls.
54 locals recommend
Spa Thermal Park
Easy 60min walk with scenic views from the bottom of the park to Huka Falls.
Craters of the Moon Mountain Bike Trails
Poihipi RoadApprox 1 hour drive to famous NZ alpine crossing within Tongariro National Park. Trail is 19.4km and takes between 6-8 hours. Weather dependant!
Tongariro Alpine Crossing Trail
Tongariro Alpine CrossingApprox 1 hour drive to famous NZ alpine crossing within Tongariro National Park. Trail is 19.4km and takes between 6-8 hours. Weather dependant!
Sightseeing
Major local attraction where the Waikato river starts its journey to the sea
205 locals recommend
Huka Falls station
Major local attraction where the Waikato river starts its journey to the sea
Craters of the Moon
171 Karapiti RdRelaxed stroll over and around a local geothermal area
Entertainment & Activities
Impossible to forget experience - especially on a clear day!
20 locals recommend
Taupo Tandem Skydiving
Anzac Memorial Drive Impossible to forget experience - especially on a clear day!
Hukafalls Jet Taupo
200 Karetoto RdAn exciting tour of the river up to Huka Falls
Huka Prawn Park
200 Karetoto RdPrawn fishing and family fun
Starlight Cinema Centre
26 Horomātangi StLatest movies for young and old...
Daily cruises (4x summer, and 2x winter) on a replica steam boat to local Maori rock carvings.
19 locals recommend
Ernest Kemp Cruises
2 Redoubt StDaily cruises (4x summer, and 2x winter) on a replica steam boat to local Maori rock carvings.
Daily scenic cruises on the lake on a modern catamaran, with a range of options available.
22 locals recommend
Chris Jolly Outdoors
Redoubt StreetDaily scenic cruises on the lake on a modern catamaran, with a range of options available.
Taupo Bungy
202 Spa RdWhy not?
A relaxing, and slightly challenging, mini golf course for the whole family, with views south over the lake to the mountains
12 locals recommend
Taupo Mini Golf
11 Northcroft StA relaxing, and slightly challenging, mini golf course for the whole family, with views south over the lake to the mountains
Soothing soak in natural mineral pools with water from a geothermal spring.
46 locals recommend
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
76 Napier-Taupo RoadSoothing soak in natural mineral pools with water from a geothermal spring.
Essentials
Countdown Taupo
Tongariro StreetPAK'nSAVE
131 Ruapehu St