Huka Falls
Toilets nearbyUnder an hour
10 m falls
Huka Falls near Taupō: the Waikato River pours through a narrow gorge, with walking tracks and viewing platforms.
Things to Do in Taupō
Every playground, park, walk and swim spot around Taupō on one map, plus this weekend's events and the places people love most.
Taupō sits on the shore of Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, in the volcanic heart of the North Island. It is a year-round playground for the outdoors, famous for trout fishing, the Tongariro mountains, Huka Falls and geothermal wonders. From lakeside walks to adventure activities, there is plenty to explore.
Find something to do
Every playground, park, walk, swim spot and more around Taupō on one map. Search, pick a category, or tap Near me.
103 guides
Craters of the Moon
Under an hourNo dogs
40 min · 10 min drive
Craters of the Moon, 7 km north of Taupō: a 40-minute boardwalk loop past steaming vents, mud pools and craters in the Wairākei geothermal field.
Aratiatia Rapids
Free entry
Aratiatia Rapids is a striking section of the Waikato River roughly 13 kilometres northeast of Taupō town centre.
Wairakei Terraces
Adult-only geothermal pools and self-guided silica terrace walk 5 km north of Taupō, with mineral-rich water and Ngāti Tūwharetoa cultural links.
Spa Thermal Park
Tauhara
Dogs allowedToilets nearbyPlaygroundFree entryShaded
Spa Thermal Park is a free riverside reserve on the northern edge of Taupō town centre, best known for the Otumuheke Stream.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Free entry
7-8 hr · 20.2 km one way
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing near Taupō is a 20.2km one-way volcanic walk past Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes, taking 7 to 9 hours depending on season.
Hipapatua Recreational Reserve (Reid's Farm)
Toilets nearbyFree entry
Hipapatua Recreational Reserve, also known as Reid's Farm, is a riverside reserve on Huka Falls Road north of Taupō town centre.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro
No dogs
Tongariro National Park: New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area. Volcanoes, Ngāti Tūwharetoa history, plants, birds and rules.
Mount Tauhara
No dogsFree entry
2-3 hr return · 3.3 km one way · Hard
Mount Tauhara is a steep 2 to 3 hour return summit hike east of Taupō, climbing through farmland and bush to 360-degree views over Lake Taupō.
Taranaki Falls
Easy
2 hr · Easy · 20 m falls
Taranaki Falls: an easy 2-hour DOC loop from Whakapapa Village to a 20 m waterfall on an old lava flow. Start, grade and tips, a day trip from Taupō.
Taupō Museum and Art Gallery
Free entry
Taupō Museum and Art Gallery covers volcanic history and Ngāti Tūwharetoa taonga, with a carved wharenui, a Kiwiana caravan and the free Ora Garden.
Owen Delany Park
Tauhara
Toilets nearbyPlaygroundNo shadeSports parks
Owen Delany Park, Taupō's largest sports ground: floodlit stadium, fields, velodrome, netball courts and a new sports hub. History and bookings.
Taupō Lakefront Reserve
Toilets nearbyBBQFree entry
Taupō Lakefront Reserve runs along Lake Taupō with swimming beaches, BBQs, Hot Water Beach and the 12.7km Great Lake Pathway to Five Mile Bay.
Whakaipo Bay
Toilets nearbyFree entry
Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve near Taupō: a DOC reserve with lake swimming and walking and biking trails.
Kinloch Beach
Kinloch
Toilets nearbyPlaygroundBBQShadedDog beach
Swim at Kinloch Beach on Lake Taupō's northern bay: a boat-free swim-only area with a pontoon, lakefront park and an Excellent LAWA grade.
Tongariro River Trail
Under an hourDogs allowedDog walk
30 min · 13.2 km loop · Easy to moderate
The Tongariro River Trail is an easy 13.2 km Grade 2 loop on both banks of the river in Tūrangi, an hour south of Taupō, for cycling and walking.
Crown Park
Hilltop
Free entryShaded
Crown Park in Taupō features eight football fields, a BMX track and sealed pump track, plus changing rooms.
Pureora Forest Park
Pureora (west of Lake Taupō)
Under an hourBush and nature
10 min
Pureora Forest Park west of Lake Taupō: DOC podocarp forest, the Forest Tower, logging tramways, the 1978 treetop protest, access roads and Waihāhā Hut.
Craters Mountain Bike Park
Hard
Just ten minutes from Taupō, Craters Mountain Bike Park offers thrilling trails and stunning scenery, discover why it's the ultimate biking destination!
Waipunga Falls
Free entry
40 m falls
Waipunga Falls is a 40m roadside waterfall on SH5, 55 km east of Taupō. Free access, visible from the carpark or a 1-minute walk.
Lake Rotopounamu Track
EasyToilets nearbyFree entryUnder an hour
2 hr · 5 km loop · Easy
Walk the 5 km Rotopounamu Track loop around a crater lake in Tongariro National Park. Two-hour easy walk through native forest with swimming beaches.
Tawhai Falls
Under an hourEasyNo dogsFree entry
15 min return · 800 m return · Easy
Tawhai Falls is a 13-metre waterfall in Tongariro National Park near Taupō, reached by an easy 10 to 20 minute walk and known as Gollum's Pool.
Tongariro Northern Circuit
35.5 km loop
Find the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk: 35.5 km loop, 3-4 days, volcanic landscapes in Tongariro National Park. Current status and booking info.
Wharewaka Point
Toilets nearbyPlaygroundBBQFree entry
Wharewaka Point offers calm swimming, a playground and BBQ facilities on the 12.7 km Great Lake Pathway, 4 km from Taupō town.
Tongariro Domain
Taupō
Dogs allowedToilets nearbyPlaygroundFree entryFenced
Tongariro Domain in Taupō: a playground, rose gardens and mini train, plus events in the park.
Rangatira Point Track
EasyDogs allowedFree entry
1-1.5 hr return · 3 km one way · Easy
Easy 3 km lakeside walk at Acacia Bay with swimming spots, native bush and mountain views. Three carparks, free entry, dogs allowed.
Taupō Motorsport Park
Taupō International Motorsport Park on Broadlands Road has a 3.13 km circuit, an 830 m dragstrip and a go-kart track, plus track days and V8 drives.
Taupō Skate Park
Toilets nearby
Free public skate park at 202 Spa Road, Taupō with bowls, 2023 street additions, lighting and 1,286 m² surface. Open year-round.
Taupō Bike Park
Free Taupō Bike Park at Spa Park has dirt jump lines for riders with some jumping experience, near Huka Falls and the Spa Park thermal pools.
The Kinloch Club
The Kinloch Club near Taupō is New Zealand's only Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, an 18-hole par 72 links-style layout with views over Lake Taupō.
Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
Toilets nearbyFree entry
Waipahihi Botanical Gardens is a 34-hectare native plant reserve on the southern edge of Taupō, featuring regenerating bush, mixed plantings.
Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley
Playground
Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley near Taupō: a self-guided loop of about 1.7 km past mud pools and silica formations, with a campground and café on site.
Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings
Mine Bay Māori rock carvings on Lake Taupō: a 14-metre figure of Ngātoroirangi on a cliff face, reached by cruise or kayak tour from Taupō Boat Harbour.
Great Lake Pathway
EasyDogs allowedWheelchair accessDog walkOn-leash
1.5 hr · 12.7 km one way · Easy
The Great Lake Pathway, also known as Lion's Walk, is Taupō's most popular lakefront route for walking and cycling.
Ōrākei Kōrako Geothermal Park
Toilets nearby
1-2 hr
Ōrākei Kōrako Cave and Thermal Park is a privately owned geothermal reserve on the shore of Lake Ohakuri, roughly 25 minutes' drive north of Taupō.
Tongariro National Trout Centre Tūrangi
Toilets nearby
Tongariro National Trout Centre south of Tūrangi: a DOC trout hatchery with a freshwater aquarium, underwater river viewing and a summer whio crèche.
Tree Trunk Gorge Track
Free entry
1.5 hr · 5 km one way
Walk or mountain bike the 5 km Tree Trunk Gorge Track through beech forest and gorges in Kaimanawa Forest Park near Taupō.
Lake Taupō Trout Fishing
Good for families
Trout
Fish Lake Taupō for rainbow and brown trout: trolling, harling, jigging, shore and stream mouth fishing, boat ramp permits, licences and DOC rules.
Te Hāpua Bay Track
Under an hourNo dogsToilets nearby
45 min one way · Hard
Te Hāpua Bay Track: a 45-minute Advanced DOC walk to Scenic Bay on Lake Taupō's western shore. Start, day-visit rules, wasps, toilet and dogs.
Mangakino Recreation Reserve
Toilets nearbyBBQFree entryShadedDog walk
Lakefront reserve on Lake Maraetai in Mangakino with lake swimming, a boat ramp, playground, Waikato River Trails access and camping for up to 3 nights.
Kiko Loop Track
EasyToilets nearby
1.5 hr · 3.9 km loop · Easy
Kiko Loop Track: a 1 to 1.5 hour Easy DOC loop in Kaimanawa Forest Park through podocarp and beech forest. Kiko Road access, toilets and dog rules.
Waihaha Trail
7.5 hr one way · 30 km · Moderate
The Waihaha Trail forms the westernmost and most remote section of the Great Lake Trails network on the western shore of Lake Taupō.
Huka Trails
EasyDogs allowed
Easy
The Huka Trails form a popular network of easy riverside paths along the Waikato River, linking Spa Thermal Park in Taupō with Huka Falls.
Te Ātea
Taupō Central
Free entry
Te Ātea on the Taupō lakefront: the carved pou by Delani Brown, the thirteen river pou, the Tūwharetoa design and the space's blessing.
Whangamata Stream Trail
Under an hourEasyDogs allowedToilets nearby
1 hr return · Easy · 20 min drive
Whangamata Stream Trail, Kinloch: an easy, flat forest path for young kids with fairy houses, a water wheel and pump track. Time, dogs and parking.
Kaimanawa Forest Park
Kaimanawa Range (east of Tūrangi)
Bush and nature
Kaimanawa Forest Park near Taupō: DOC's 77,348 ha park of beech forest, tussock and rivers. History, wildlife, huts, road ends, permits and dogs.
Whakamaru Domain
Toilets nearbyBBQFree entry
Whakamaru Domain offers free camping with hot showers, boat ramp, and beach access on Lake Whakamaru in South Waikato, plus Waikato River Trails access.
Stump Bay
Toilets nearby
37 km
Stump Bay at Waiotaka Scenic Reserve: a long sandy Lake Taupō beach north of Tūrangi with toilets, picnic tables and a Good LAWA water quality grade.
Waihora Lagoon Walk
Under an hourEasyNo dogs
15 min · 730 m return · Easy
Waihora Lagoon Walk: a 15-minute Easy DOC boardwalk in Pureora Forest Park to a lagoon ringed by rimu and kahikatea. 4WD road access and dogs.
Waitahanui River Fishing
Trout
Fish the Waitahanui River near Taupō for rainbow and brown trout: fly-only reaches, seasons, access from Blake Road, wading safety and DOC rules.
Tongariro River Fishing
Trout
Fish the Tongariro River at Tūrangi for rainbow and brown trout: the lower, middle and upper reaches, access, flies, DOC rules and flow safety.
Arataki Track
4.9 km · Hard
Arataki Track: an Advanced DOC tramping track in Pureora Forest Park from a Mangakino Stream suspension bridge towards Mt Titiraupenga. Access and tips.
Te Iringa Track
3.5 hr · 19 km return · Hard
Te Iringa Track: a remote grade 5 MTB ride in Kaimanawa Forest Park east of Taupō. Access via Clements Mill Road, times, huts and DOC rules.
Hinemaiaia River Fishing
Trout
Fish the Hinemaiaia River at Hatepe, Taupō: fly-only seasons by reach, the hydro dams, spawning-run rainbows, access, hazards and DOC rules.
Waihaha River Fishing
Fish the Waihaha River on western Lake Taupō: fly-only rules, the two season windows, Tieke Falls, the Waihaha Track, safety and DOC rules.
Lake Ōtamangakau Fishing
Trout
Fish Lake Ōtamangakau near Tūrangi for large rainbow and brown trout. Boat and shore methods, flies, access, hazards and Taupō fishery rules.
Hauhungaroa Track
Hard
Hauhungaroa Track: a 3-day Advanced DOC traverse of the Hauhungaroa Range from Link Road via Bog Inn, Waihāhā and Hauhungaroa huts. Sections and maps.
Lake Rotoaira Fishing
Trout
Fish Lake Rotoaira near Tūrangi for rainbow trout: the Lake Rotoaira Trust licence, season, boat ramps, flies and lures, and the lake's own rules.
Kuratau
Free entry
Kuratau offers a quiet swim-only bay on Lake Taupō's western shore at the Kuratau River mouth, one of seven protected zones with no vessels allowed.
Acacia Bay Walking Track
EasyDogs allowed
2 km · Easy
The Acacia Bay Walking Track follows the Lake Taupō shoreline through native bush in Acacia Bay, a short drive southwest of Taupō town centre.
Whareroa Lake
Toilets nearbyBBQFree entry
Whareroa offers clear Lake Taupō swimming in a designated swim-only area on the quiet western shore, with limited facilities and scenic rural access.
W2K Trail
Dogs allowedDog walk
1.5-2 hr · 14 km one way
W2K Trail near Taupō: a Grade 3 shared trail of about 13 km from Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch through native bush, with Lake Taupō views. Dogs allowed.
Tauranga-Taupō River Fishing
Trout
Fish the Tauranga-Taupō River for rainbow and brown trout: fly-only reaches, seasons, access near Te Rangi-ita, flows, hazards and DOC rules.
River Side Trail
Under an hourEasyFree entry
1 hr · 3 km one way · Easy
The River Side Trail in Taupō is an easy 3km walk or ride beside the Waikato River from Control Gates Bridge past Cherry Island to Spa Thermal Park.
Headland Loop Trail
1.5 hr · 9.5 km loop · Moderate
The Headland Loop Trail is a 9.5 km circuit that branches off the W2K Trail at the highest point of the headland between Kinloch and Whakaipo Bay.
Orakau Trail
Under an hourDogs allowed
1 hr · 10 km · Moderate
The Orakau Trail is a 9.3-kilometre shared-use trail offering a gradual downhill ride through native wetlands.
Mt Titiraupenga Track
4 hr return · 6.4 km return · Hard
Mt Titiraupenga Track: a 4-hour return Advanced DOC climb from the Centre of the North Island cairn to a lookout below the sacred summit rock.
Ngapuketurua Track
4-5 hr one way · 5.5 km · Hard
Ngapuketurua Track: a 4 to 5 hour Advanced DOC climb from the Kiko Loop through beech forest to the park boundary. Hunting access, directions and dogs.
Waipapa Loop Track
Under an hourNo dogs
30 min return · 2.3 km loop · Hard
Waipapa Loop Track: a 30-minute DOC loop through tall podocarp forest in Pureora Forest Park, known for its birdlife. Gully Road access and dogs.
Boyd, Ōamaru and Cascade Hut Tracks
Hard
Boyd, Ōamaru and Cascade Hut tracks: Advanced DOC routes in Kaimanawa Forest Park for a 2 to 4 day tramp. Sections, huts, access rules and safety.
Rimu Walk
Under an hourEasyNo dogs
1 hr loop · 1.7 km loop · Easy
Rimu Walk: a 1-hour Easy DOC loop from Kakaho Campsite through tall rimu forest to a viewpoint over Mount Pureora. Directions from Taupō and dogs.
Waimarino River Fishing
Fly fish the Waimarino River near Tūrangi: winter spawning rainbows, summer dry flies, the SH1 bridge access, the mouth drop-off, reaches and seasons.
Waiotaka River Fishing
Fly fish the Waiotaka River near Tūrangi: the shallow Stump Bay mouth, smelt flies, summer browns, winter rainbows, Frethey Drive and closed reaches.
Hot Water Beach
Free entry
Hot Water Beach in Taupō is a natural geothermal shoreline on Lake Taupō, south-east of the town centre near Waipahihi Bay.
Whakamoenga Walking Track
Under an hourEasyDogs allowedFree entry
30 min return · 1.5 km one way · Easy
Easy lakeside walk in Acacia Bay to Whakamoenga Point for swimming, picnics and views across Lake Taupō. 30 min return from carpark 3.
Riverside Park
Toilets nearbyBBQFree entry
Riverside Park in Taupō features the Unison Amphitheatre, public sculptures and direct access to the River Side Trail along the Waikato River.
Main Beach
Toilets nearbyBBQFree entry
Main Beach Taupō offers free swimming in a designated boat-free zone on Lake Taupō with town centre access, parking and mountain views.
Two Mile Bay Boat Ramp Reserve
Toilets nearbyBBQFree entryDog beachOn-leash
With easy access to Lake Taupo and scenic views, discover why Two Mile Bay Boat Ramp Reserve is the ultimate spot for your next adventure.
Mapara Walkway
Under an hourEasyFree entry
20 min return · Easy
Short boardwalked track in Acacia Bay connecting Mapara Road and Brunette Drive, popular for glow worm viewing at night.
Kuratau River Mouth Fishing
Fish the Kuratau River mouth on western Lake Taupō: fly-only zone, no boats inside 200 m, hours, lines, safety, licence and where to buy tackle.
3 & 4 Mile Bays
No dogsFree entry
Swim safely in the designated area between 3 & 4 Mile Bays on Lake Taupō, free and protected from vessels, with the Across the Lake Swim finishing here.
Pukawa Lakefront Reserve
Free entry
Pukawa Lakefront Reserve provides public access to the sheltered waters of Pukawa Bay on the south-western shore of Lake Taupō.
K2K Trail
Dogs allowedToilets nearbyDog walk
1.5 hr · 9 km one way · Moderate
Ride the 8.4 km K2K Trail from Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay on the Great Lake Trails. Grade 3 intermediate singletrack with headland views and swimming.
Waitahanui River Mouth Fishing
Good for families
Trout
Fly fish the Waitahanui Rip on Lake Taupō: the picket fence, flies and lines, seasons, the DOC licence, fly-only and night rules, and wading safety.
Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve Walks
EasyDogs allowedFree entryUnder an hourDog walk
Easy
Easy DOC walks through mature podocarp forest and 1869 Land Wars history at Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve, 17 km east of Taupō on SH5.
Waikato River Fishing
Trout
Fish the Waikato River from Taupō's control gates to Huka Falls for rainbow and brown trout. Access, flies and spinners, gate flows and Taupō rules.
Huka Falls to Aratiatia Rapids Trail
EasyDogs allowedDog walk
2 hr · 7 km one way · Easy
7 km shared walking and cycling trail along the Waikato River from Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam with scheduled rapids releases.
Te Kapua Park Tūrangi
Toilets nearby
Te Kapua Park in Tūrangi offers an award-winning playground, Tūrangi Turtle Pools, sports fields and courts for families and community sport.
Tauranga-Taupō River Mouth Fishing
Fish the Tauranga-Taupō River mouth at Te Rangiita on Lake Taupō: fly-only zone, anchored boat rule, flies, hours, access and safety.
Hinemaiaia River Mouth Fishing
Fish the Hinemaiaia River mouth at Hatepe on Lake Taupō: fly-only rules, rip technique, flies, hours, access, safety and where to buy tackle.
Waihaha River Mouth Fishing
Fish the Waihaha River mouth in Western Bay, Lake Taupō: fly-only zone, no boats inside 200 m, smelting season, hours, access and safety.
Great Lake Trail
Dogs allowed
1.5-5 hr · 30 km · Moderate
The Great Lake Trail offers Taupō visitors a signature multi-day cycling adventure along the remote western and northern shores of Lake Taupō.
Ketemaringi Route
5 hr · Hard
Ketemaringi Route: an Expert 5-hour DOC route in Pureora Forest Park from Ketemaringi Road to the trig and down to Totara Stream. Access and maps.
Lake Ohakuri Fishing
Trout
Fish Lake Ohakuri for rainbow and brown trout: trolling, spinning and fly, the dam and Whirinaki Arm ramps, Eastern Fish & Game rules and lake levels.
Mount Pureora from Link Road
EasyToilets nearby
2.5 hr · 2.6 km one way · Easy
Mount Pureora from Link Road: the shortest DOC route to the summit, 2 hr 30 min one way, with views to Lake Taupō and Ruapehu. Access, toilets, dogs.
Mount Pureora via Toitoi Track
No dogs
5 hr return · 5.8 km return · Hard
Mount Pureora via Toitoi Track: a 5-hour return Advanced DOC climb from The Timber Trail at Tui Road to summit views. Access changes, birds and dogs.
Short Walks Around Taupō, Tongariro and Pureora
8 short walks around Taupō of about an hour or less, from Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon to Pureora forest loops and Tongariro's Tawhai Falls.
Taupō BMX Track at Crown Park
Taupō BMX Track at Crown Park offers Wednesday club nights, gate access for members and racing for all ages. Find schedules and membership details.
Taupō Street Art Trail
Taupō Central
Free entry
Walk Taupō's street art trail: more than 80 Graffiato murals in the town centre laneways, how the festival began and where to find the current map.
Tokaanu Tailrace Fishing
Spin or fly fish the Tokaanu Tailrace on southern Lake Taupō: the canal mouth, the boat ramp, smelt runs, closed water, the bridge ban and boat rules.
Tongariro River Delta
Tūrangi
Bush and nature
Tongariro River delta near Tūrangi: part of Te Mātāpuna / South Taupō Wetland, with dabchick, bittern and swans, kayak access points and restoration work.
Tongariro River Delta Fishing
Fish the Tongariro River delta on Lake Taupō from an anchored boat or kayak: the Tokaanu launch, fly-only mouth rules, lines, seasons and hazards.
Waipakihi Middle Range Route
Under an hour
1 hr · 820 m · Hard
Waipakihi Middle Range Route: an Expert 1-hour DOC route from Waipakihi Hut to the Middle Range tops. Navigation, weather, deer control alert and dogs.
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This weekend in Taupō
Everything on this weekendFri 13 – Sun 15 Nov · 8:30amPTS Logistics Season Opener · Repco NextGen NZ ChampionshipTaupo International Motorsport ParkSat 14 Nov · 10amCoffee & Crafts · Christmas EditSacred GroundsSun 15 Nov · 3pmTaupō Choral SOLID GOLD 50th Jubilee ConcertSt Andrew's Anglican ChurchSun 15 Nov · 9amSunday Farmers' & Craft MarketNorthcroft Reserve
Updated every week from What’s On.
Top things to do in Taupō
The places people read about most, each with a full local guide.
Huka Falls
Huka Falls near Taupō: the Waikato River pours through a narrow gorge, with walking tracks and viewing platforms.
Read the guideCraters of the Moon
Craters of the Moon, 7 km north of Taupō: a 40-minute boardwalk loop past steaming vents, mud pools and craters in the Wairākei geothermal field.
Read the guideAratiatia Rapids
Aratiatia Rapids is a striking section of the Waikato River roughly 13 kilometres northeast of Taupō town centre.
Read the guideWairakei Terraces
Adult-only geothermal pools and self-guided silica terrace walk 5 km north of Taupō, with mineral-rich water and Ngāti Tūwharetoa cultural links.
Read the guideSpa Thermal Park
Spa Thermal Park is a free riverside reserve on the northern edge of Taupō town centre, best known for the Otumuheke Stream.
Read the guideTongariro Alpine Crossing
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing near Taupō is a 20.2km one-way volcanic walk past Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes, taking 7 to 9 hours depending on season.
Read the guideHipapatua Recreational Reserve (Reid's Farm)
Hipapatua Recreational Reserve, also known as Reid's Farm, is a riverside reserve on Huka Falls Road north of Taupō town centre.
Read the guideTongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park: New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area. Volcanoes, Ngāti Tūwharetoa history, plants, birds and rules.
Read the guideTaupō Museum and Art Gallery
Taupō Museum and Art Gallery covers volcanic history and Ngāti Tūwharetoa taonga, with a carved wharenui, a Kiwiana caravan and the free Ora Garden.
Read the guideCraters Mountain Bike Park
Just ten minutes from Taupō, Craters Mountain Bike Park offers thrilling trails and stunning scenery, discover why it's the ultimate biking destination!
Read the guideWaipunga Falls
Waipunga Falls is a 40m roadside waterfall on SH5, 55 km east of Taupō. Free access, visible from the carpark or a 1-minute walk.
Read the guideTaupō Motorsport Park
Taupō International Motorsport Park on Broadlands Road has a 3.13 km circuit, an 830 m dragstrip and a go-kart track, plus track days and V8 drives.
Read the guideFree things to do with kids
Taupō has 56 public playgrounds on our map, 3 of them fenced and 2 with water play. These pair a playground or an easy walk with somewhere to run around.
Spa Thermal ParkSpa Thermal Park is a free riverside reserve on the northern edge of Taupō town centre, best known for the Otumuheke S…Owen Delany ParkOwen Delany Park, Taupō's largest sports ground: floodlit stadium, fields, velodrome, netball courts and a new sports…Kinloch BeachSwim at Kinloch Beach on Lake Taupō's northern bay: a boat-free swim-only area with a pontoon, lakefront park and an E…Crown ParkCrown Park in Taupō features eight football fields, a BMX track and sealed pump track, plus changing rooms.Wharewaka PointWharewaka Point offers calm swimming, a playground and BBQ facilities on the 12.7 km Great Lake Pathway, 4 km from Tau…Tongariro DomainTongariro Domain in Taupō: a playground, rose gardens and mini train, plus events in the park.
Things to do near the water
Beaches, lakes and rivers around Taupō, each with what to know before you swim.
Wairakei TerracesAdult-only geothermal pools and self-guided silica terrace walk 5 km north of Taupō, with mineral-rich water and Ngāti…Spa Thermal ParkSpa Thermal Park is a free riverside reserve on the northern edge of Taupō town centre, best known for the Otumuheke S…Hipapatua Recreational Reserve (Reid's Farm)Hipapatua Recreational Reserve, also known as Reid's Farm, is a riverside reserve on Huka Falls Road north of Taupō to…Taupō Lakefront ReserveTaupō Lakefront Reserve runs along Lake Taupō with swimming beaches, BBQs, Hot Water Beach and the 12.7km Great Lake P…Whakaipo BayWhakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve near Taupō: a DOC reserve with lake swimming and walking and biking trails.Kinloch BeachSwim at Kinloch Beach on Lake Taupō's northern bay: a boat-free swim-only area with a pontoon, lakefront park and an E…
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Taupō?
Favourites include Huka Falls, Craters of the Moon, Aratiatia Rapids, Wairakei Terraces and Spa Thermal Park. The full list of picks is on this page, and the map shows everything else.
What can you do in Taupō for free?
Taupō’s public parks, playgrounds, beaches and walking tracks are free to visit. Our map has 110 parks and reserves, 56 playgrounds and 43 walks.
What is there to do in Taupō with kids?
Start with a playground: there are 56 on our map, and 3 are fenced and 2 have water play. Pick Playgrounds above and tap Near me to find the closest.
Where can you swim in Taupō?
Popular spots include Wairakei Terraces, Spa Thermal Park, Hipapatua Recreational Reserve (Reid's Farm) and Taupō Lakefront Reserve. Each guide says what to know before you swim.
What’s on in Taupō this weekend?
This weekend’s events are near the top of this page and change every week. For the full list, see This Weekend in Taupō and What’s On.