Best Camping Grounds in Taupo: Discover the Top 5 Sites for Unforgettable Lakeside and Geothermal Adventures
Looking for the best camping grounds in Taupo to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island? Taupo, nestled on the shores of Lake Taupo, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, geothermal wonders, and adventure activities like Huka Falls jet boating and Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Its campgrounds offer the perfect base for families, adventurers, and nature lovers eager to explore this vibrant region.
We’ve curated the top five camping grounds in Taupo, each celebrated for their facilities, scenic locations, and welcoming atmospheres. From lakeside retreats to geothermal parks, these sites cater to tents, campervans, and those seeking cozy cabins. Let’s dive into the best places to camp in Taupo, NZ!
1. Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park
About the Business
Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park, located just a 20-minute walk from Taupo’s town center, is a premier campground with a Four Star Plus Qualmark rating. Known for its family-friendly vibe and modern amenities, this park offers a convenient base for exploring Lake Taupo, Huka Falls, and the Wairakei Geothermal Valley.
Key Services / What They Offer
Specializing in camping in Taupo, they provide powered and non-powered sites, cabins, motel units, and self-contained apartments. Amenities include a heated swimming pool, communal kitchen, modern bathrooms, laundry, free Wi-Fi, a BBQ area, a playground, a games room, and a spa pool. Bike hire and tour bookings for geothermal sites and adventure activities are available.
Who It’s For
Ideal for families, couples, and campervan travelers seeking a central location with kid-friendly activities, as well as those wanting easy access to Taupo’s lakefront, cultural attractions, and adventure sports like skydiving or bungy jumping.
What to Expect
Expect a vibrant, well-maintained park with lush grounds and a lively atmosphere, perfect for 2-5 night stays. Guests enjoy the pool, playground, and proximity to town, with check-in from 2:00 PM. The friendly staff provide local maps and activity discounts, and the clean facilities ensure a comfortable stay. The spa pool is a highlight for relaxation after a day of exploration.
Standout Features
- Heated swimming pool and spa pool for year-round relaxation.
- 20-minute walk to Taupo’s town center and lakefront.
- Extensive family amenities, including a playground and games room.
Customer Feedback
Guests rave about the “fantastic facilities” and central location, with reviews praising the clean bathrooms and kid-friendly amenities. Families highlight the pool and games room as hits with children, noting it’s a “perfect base” for exploring Taupo’s lake and geothermal attractions.
Why Choose Them?
Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park’s modern amenities and prime location make it a top choice for camping grounds in Taupo, offering a blend of family fun and urban convenience.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 28 Centennial Drive, Taupo 3378
Phone: 07 378 6860
Website: www.taupotop10.co.nz
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00 AM-8:00 PM
2. Lake Taupo Holiday Resort
About the Business
Lake Taupo Holiday Resort, situated 3km from Taupo’s town center, is a family-oriented campground known for its resort-like amenities and spacious grounds. With a focus on fun and relaxation, this park offers a lakeside setting and easy access to Taupo’s adventure activities, making it a favorite for families and groups.
Key Services / What They Offer
Offering holiday parks in Taupo, they provide powered and non-powered sites, cabins, motel units, and self-contained villas. Amenities include a thermally heated lagoon pool, tennis court, communal kitchen, modern bathrooms, laundry, free Wi-Fi, a BBQ area, a playground, and a games room. Bike hire and tour bookings for Huka Falls and Tongariro Crossing are available.
Who It’s For
Suitable for families, groups, and campervan travelers wanting resort-style facilities, as well as those exploring Lake Taupo’s water sports, geothermal sites, or nearby adventure parks like Wairakei Terraces.
What to Expect
Anticipate a large, lively park with a resort-like atmosphere, ideal for 2-5 night stays. Guests enjoy the lagoon pool, tennis, and playground, with check-in from 2:00 PM. The hosts are approachable, offering local recommendations, and the clean facilities, including the thermally heated pool, add a touch of luxury. The park’s activities keep kids entertained year-round.
Standout Features
- Thermally heated lagoon pool for all-weather fun.
- Tennis court and extensive kids’ activities.
- Close to Taupo’s lakefront and adventure attractions.
Customer Feedback
Reviews highlight the “resort-like amenities” and spacious sites, with families praising the lagoon pool and playground as kid favorites. Campers note the clean facilities and proximity to adventure activities, describing it as a “fun, comfortable” base for a Taupo holiday.
Why Choose Them?
Lake Taupo Holiday Resort’s resort-style facilities and family-friendly vibe make it a top pick for camping grounds in Taupo, offering a fun, relaxing experience.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 41 Centennial Drive, Taupo 3378
Phone: 07 378 5159
Website: www.laketaupoholidayresort.co.nz
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00 AM-8:00 PM
3. Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
About the Business
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort, located 5km from Taupo’s town center, is a unique campground set in a geothermal area with natural hot springs. Known for its luxurious amenities and stunning views of Lake Taupo, this resort-style park offers a relaxing retreat with easy access to geothermal attractions and water activities.
Key Services / What They Offer
Providing geothermal camping in Taupo, they offer powered and non-powered sites, cabins, chalets, and luxury villas. Amenities include natural hot spring pools, a water park with slides, a communal kitchen, modern bathrooms, laundry, free Wi-Fi, a BBQ area, a playground, and a day spa. Tour bookings for Huka Falls and cultural experiences are available.
Who It’s For
Perfect for families, couples, and geothermal enthusiasts seeking a luxurious camping experience, as well as those exploring Taupo’s hot springs, lake activities, or cultural sites like the Māori Rock Carvings.
What to Expect
Expect a spacious park with a geothermal ambiance and lake views, ideal for 2-4 night stays. Guests enjoy soaking in the hot springs, water park fun, and the playground, with check-in from 2:00 PM. The hosts provide local insights, and the clean facilities, including the day spa, offer a premium experience. The water park is a highlight for families.
Standout Features
- Natural hot spring pools and a water park with slides.
- Luxury villas and day spa for a premium stay.
- Stunning views of Lake Taupo and surrounding hills.
Customer Feedback
Guests rave about the “amazing hot springs” and water park, with reviews noting the clean facilities and breathtaking views. Families highlight the slides and playground, describing it as a “luxury camping experience” that combines relaxation and fun.
Why Choose Them?
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort’s geothermal hot springs and resort-style amenities make it a top destination for camping grounds in Taupo, offering a unique, indulgent stay.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 76 Napier-Taupo Road, Taupo 3330
Phone: 07 378 8559
Website: www.taupodebretts.co.nz
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00 AM-8:00 PM
4. Motutere Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park
About the Business
Motutere Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park, located 20km south of Taupo on the shores of Lake Taupo, is a serene lakeside campground with a Four Star Qualmark rating. Known for its tranquil setting and angler-friendly facilities, this family-run park is a favorite for those seeking water-based activities and a peaceful retreat.
Key Services / What They Offer
Offering lakeside camping in Taupo, they provide powered and non-powered sites, cabins, and self-contained units. Amenities include a communal kitchen, modern bathrooms, laundry, free Wi-Fi, a BBQ area, a playground, a fish filleting station, and lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating. Bike hire and tour bookings for Tongariro Crossing are available.
Who It’s For
Suitable for families, anglers, and couples wanting a lakeside escape, as well as those exploring Lake Taupo’s fishing spots, water sports, or nearby geothermal attractions like Orakei Korako.
What to Expect
Anticipate a medium-sized, tree-lined park with a calm lakeside vibe, perfect for 2-4 night stays. Guests enjoy fishing, swimming, and the playground, with check-in from 2:00 PM. The hosts are friendly, offering local fishing tips, and the clean facilities, including the fish filleting station, cater to anglers. The lakefront setting is ideal for water enthusiasts.
Standout Features
- Direct access to Lake Taupo for fishing and boating.
- Fish filleting station for angler convenience.
- Tranquil setting with lakefront views.
Customer Feedback
Campers praise the “beautiful lakefront” and clean facilities, with anglers noting the excellent fishing and filleting station. Families appreciate the safe swimming area and relaxed atmosphere, describing it as a “peaceful retreat” for a Taupo getaway.
Why Choose Them?
Motutere Bay TOP 10’s lakeside serenity and angler-friendly amenities make it a top pick for camping grounds in Taupo, offering a tranquil, water-focused escape.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 2819 State Highway 1, Motutere, Taupo 3382
Phone: 07 384 8480
Website: www.motuterebaytop10.co.nz
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00 AM-7:00 PM
5. Reid’s Farm Freedom Camping
About the Business
Reid’s Farm Freedom Camping, located 5km north of Taupo along the Waikato River, is a council-managed site offering a free, no-frills camping experience for self-contained campervans and tents. Set in a scenic riverside area, this site provides a budget-friendly option for travelers seeking a natural retreat near Taupo’s attractions.
Key Services / What They Offer
Providing freedom camping in Taupo, they offer designated camping areas for self-contained vehicles and tents, with basic amenities including public toilets, dishwashing facilities, and river access for swimming. No powered sites or additional facilities are available, emphasizing a minimalist camping experience, with a nearby dump station for waste disposal.
Who It’s For
Perfect for self-sufficient campervan travelers, tent campers, and budget travelers needing a free, scenic location for short stays, as well as those exploring Taupo’s Huka Falls, town center, or geothermal sites.
What to Expect
Expect a basic, grassy camping area with a picturesque riverside setting, suitable for 1-2 night stays (maximum 2 nights per Taupo District Council rules). Guests enjoy river swimming and the peaceful environment, with check-in self-managed via signage. The lack of powered sites suits self-contained setups, and the site can get busy, so early arrival is recommended.
Standout Features
- Free camping for self-contained vehicles and tents.
- Scenic Waikato River access for swimming.
- Close to Huka Falls and Taupo’s town center.
Customer Feedback
Campers appreciate the “free, beautiful” riverside location and clean toilets, with reviews noting the ease of accessing Huka Falls and Taupo. Travelers highlight the budget-friendly appeal, though some mention the need to arrive early due to popularity, describing it as a “great stopover” for a Taupo adventure.
Why Choose Them?
Reid’s Farm Freedom Camping’s free, scenic riverside location makes it a top choice for camping grounds in Taupo, offering an affordable, nature-focused option for self-sufficient travelers.
Location & Contact Details
Address: Huka Falls Road, Taupo 3330
Phone: 07 376 1400 (Taupo District Council)
Website: www.taupodc.govt.nz
Hours: Open 24/7 for self-contained vehicles and tents
Conclusion: Plan Your Perfect Camping Adventure in Taupo
The best camping grounds in Taupo—Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park, Lake Taupo Holiday Resort, Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort, Motutere Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park, and Reid’s Farm Freedom Camping—offer diverse experiences for every camper. With lakeside serenity, geothermal hot springs, resort-style amenities, and budget-friendly freedom camping, these sites provide the perfect base to explore Taupo’s stunning lake, geothermal wonders, and adventure activities.
Ready to embrace Taupo’s natural beauty? Book your stay at one of these top Taupo camping grounds and enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure. Pack your tent or campervan and create lasting memories under the Waikato stars today!
Helpful Information About Taupo Camping Grounds
Taupo camping grounds offer a unique mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and geothermal wonders, making them an ideal choice for travelers exploring New Zealand’s central North Island. Located near iconic landmarks like Huka Falls, Craters of the Moon, and the Tongariro National Park, Taupo is a haven for all kinds of campers—from solo adventurers to families seeking lakeside relaxation.
Whether you’re setting up a tent near the shores of Lake Taupo or parking your campervan close to hot springs and scenic trails, the region’s campgrounds cater to various preferences and budgets. Many Taupo campsites are located within or near vibrant communities such as Acacia Bay, Wairakei, and Motuoapa, offering easy access to local shops, eateries, and recreational activities while immersing visitors in nature.
Choosing the Right Camping Grounds in Taupo
- Determine whether you want a lakeside, geothermal, or urban-adjacent setting to match your preferred camping environment in the Taupo area.
- If traveling with children, look for family-friendly features like playgrounds, swimming pools, or onsite activity areas that enhance your stay.
- Consider whether you need a powered site for your campervan or prefer a traditional tent setup—Taupo campgrounds offer a range of accommodation types.
- Check proximity to local attractions such as Tongariro Crossing, Huka Falls, or Taupo town center to plan your adventures efficiently.
- For budget-conscious travelers, freedom camping sites like those near the Waikato River offer minimal amenities but excellent natural settings.
- Always verify if booking is required in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons or long weekends when popular spots can fill quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taupo Camping Grounds
What types of camping sites are available in Taupo?
Taupo offers a variety of camping experiences including powered and non-powered sites, freedom camping areas, and resort-style holiday parks with facilities like cabins, spa pools, and playgrounds. Whether you’re in a campervan or pitching a tent, there are options to suit all styles and budgets.
Are Taupo camping grounds suitable for families with children?
Yes, many Taupo campgrounds are specifically designed with families in mind. Features often include kid-friendly amenities like games rooms, swimming pools, playgrounds, and nearby activities such as mini golf or safe swimming areas in Lake Taupo or the Waikato River.
Can I find camping grounds near Taupo’s geothermal attractions?
Absolutely—several camping grounds are located close to geothermal sites such as the Wairakei Terraces, Craters of the Moon, and hot pools. These locations provide a convenient base for visitors wanting to explore bubbling mud pools, natural hot springs, and geothermal hiking trails.
Is freedom camping allowed in Taupo?
Freedom camping is permitted in designated areas of Taupo, often managed by the local council. These spots typically accommodate self-contained vehicles and offer basic facilities, such as public toilets and river access, for short-term stays only—usually up to two nights.
What should I bring when camping in Taupo?
Pack according to the season, but essentials include warm clothing, cooking equipment, insect repellent, and swimwear for lake or hot spring activities. It’s also wise to bring a headlamp, weatherproof gear, and maps of local walking or biking tracks for outdoor exploration.