Last updated October 2026
Stump Bay is a long, sandy beach at Waiotaka Scenic Reserve on the southern shore of Lake Taupō, where the Waiotaka River flows into the lake about 7 kilometres north of Tūrangi.
Destination Great Lake Taupō lists it among the lake’s swimming beaches, with a shoreline sprinkled with pumice, volcanic peaks on the horizon and views north towards Taupō. It is a quiet spot, with toilets and picnic tables, and makes an easy stop on State Highway 1.
Waikato Regional Council tests the water here weekly over summer, and the site holds a Good long-term grade on LAWA. The river mouth is shallow for a long way out, then drops off, so it pays to know the water before you swim.
Swimming Facts
Waikato Regional Council tests Stump Bay weekly from December to February. Check the latest result before you swim, and stay out of the water for 48 hours after heavy rain.
Today’s result on LAWAToday at Stump Bay
Thursday 15 OctoberWater quality track record
What the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine E. coli results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (233 per 100 mL from 62 tests).
Practical Information
- Location
- Waiotaka Scenic Reserve, Frethey Drive, off State Highway 1
- Distance
- About 37 km south of Taupō and about 7 km north of Tūrangi
- Water
- Freshwater lake, no tides
- Water quality
- Good (LAWA long-term grade, summers 2020/21 to 2024/25)
- Testing
- Weekly from December to February by Waikato Regional Council
- Facilities
- Toilets, picnic tables and parking
- Hazards
- Shallow river mouth with drop-offs some distance offshore
About Stump Bay
Stump Bay sits at the southern end of Lake Taupō (Taupō-nui-a-Tia), on the stretch of State Highway 1 between Motuoapa and Tūrangi.
The beach is part of Waiotaka Scenic Reserve, and Destination Great Lake Taupō describes it as a classic Kiwi lakeside beach: a long, sandy shoreline flecked with pumice, framed by volcanic peaks and looking north up the lake towards Taupō.
The bay takes in the mouth of the Waiotaka River, a small, meandering stream that rises in the Kaimanawa Forest Park and crosses Department of Corrections and iwi land before entering the lake through a very shallow mouth in Stump Bay. Its lower reaches are lined with willows.
Waiotaka Scenic Reserve lies on the eastern side of Te Mātāpuna/South Taupō Wetland, which stretches around the southern shore of the lake from Motuoapa to Waihi and takes in the Tongariro River delta.
The Department of Conservation records at least 48 bird species in the delta, including dabchick/weweia and, on occasion, Australasian bittern/matuku-hūrepo, so the reserve is a good spot for birdwatching as well as a swim.
Destination Great Lake Taupō calls it an uncrowded spot to relax and recharge. It suits a picnic and a dip on the drive between Taupō and Tūrangi, or a quieter beach day away from the busier lakefront in town.
Swimming and Water Quality at Stump Bay
Waikato Regional Council samples the lake at Stump Bay every week from December to February and sends the results to LAWA. The site has a Good LAWA long-term grade, based on 62 routine tests over the summers of 2020/21 to 2024/25.
Across 75 tests between December 2019 and February 2025, 96% were suitable for swimming. A Good grade means the water has rarely been found unsuitable for swimming, but it is a long-term record, not a promise for any given day.
Check the latest result on LAWA before you swim, and stay out of the water for at least 48 hours after heavy rain. Waikato Regional Council suggests waiting two to three days after heavy or prolonged rain, even at sites with good water quality, and avoiding spots near flocks of birds or stormwater outlets.
The Department of Conservation notes that the Waiotaka River mouth has extensive shallow areas with drop-offs some distance offshore. The water can go from wading depth to well out of your depth quickly, so keep children close and take care if you swim out from the river mouth.
The council also tests Lake Taupō for cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), which can produce toxins harmful to people and animals. If the water looks bright green or scummy, stay out. Take extra care with dogs and toddlers, as even a small amount of algae can make them seriously ill, and check LAWA for any algae alerts before you go.
Getting There and Facilities
Stump Bay is about 37 kilometres south of Taupō, reached from State Highway 1 on Frethey Drive, just north of the highway bridge over the Waiotaka River. Tūrangi is about 7 kilometres further south, and Motuoapa, with its marina, is a short drive north. The reserve has parking, toilets and picnic tables close to the beach.
Anglers also use the area: the Waiotaka River mouth is part of the Taupō trout fishery, and a Taupō fishing licence is needed to fish there.
Where to Learn More
LAWA and Waikato Regional Council: the latest “Can I Swim Here?” result, algae alerts and the long-term grade for Lake Taupō at Stump Bay.
Destination Great Lake Taupō: swimming beaches around Lake Taupō, including Waiotaka Scenic Reserve, with facilities for each.
Department of Conservation: Te Mātāpuna/South Taupō Wetland and the Tongariro River delta, with notes on birdlife and kayaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Stump Bay?
Stump Bay is at Waiotaka Scenic Reserve on the southern shore of Lake Taupō, off State Highway 1 on Frethey Drive. It is about 37 kilometres south of Taupō and about 7 kilometres north of Tūrangi.
Is Stump Bay the same as Waiotaka Scenic Reserve?
The beach at Stump Bay is part of Waiotaka Scenic Reserve, named after the Waiotaka River, which flows into the lake through the bay.
Can you swim at Stump Bay?
Yes. Destination Great Lake Taupō lists the reserve among the lake’s swimming beaches, and the water is tested weekly over summer. Check the latest result on LAWA before you swim, and stay out for at least 48 hours after heavy rain.
What is the water quality like at Stump Bay?
Lake Taupō at Stump Bay has a Good LAWA long-term grade, based on summers 2020/21 to 2024/25. Of 75 tests between December 2019 and February 2025, 96% were suitable for swimming.
How deep is the water at Stump Bay?
The Department of Conservation notes extensive shallow areas at the Waiotaka River mouth, with drop-offs some distance offshore. Keep children close, as the depth can change quickly.
What facilities are at Waiotaka Scenic Reserve?
There are toilets, picnic tables and parking close to the beach. The nearest shops and services are in Tūrangi, about 7 kilometres south.
Can you fish at Stump Bay?
The Waiotaka River mouth is part of the Taupō trout fishery. A Taupō fishing licence is required, and Department of Conservation rules for the Taupō Fishing District apply.
What should dog owners know about Stump Bay?
Lake Taupō can have blue-green algae blooms, which are dangerous for dogs. Check LAWA for algae alerts and keep dogs out of water that looks discoloured or scummy.
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