Tauhara is a large residential suburb in Taupō, covering approximately 12.83 square kilometres on the eastern side of the town. It is named after Mount Tauhara — the prominent 1,088-metre dormant lava dome volcano 6 kilometres east of the town centre, which overlooks the suburb and much of the Lake Taupō basin. Tauhara contains Tauhara College (Taupō’s main secondary school), Tauhara Primary School, and the Tauhara Golf Course, and is one of the more established family residential areas in the district.
Location and Character
| Location | East of Taupō town centre, north of Hilltop, east of Mount View |
| Area | Approximately 12.83 km² |
| Population | Approximately 4,910 (June 2025 estimate) — one of Taupō’s larger suburbs by population |
| Key landmarks | Tauhara College, Tauhara Primary School, Tauhara Golf Course, Mount Tauhara (nearby) |
| Housing | Established — earliest housing from 1940s; mix of older and contemporary residential |
The Suburb
Tauhara is one of the more spacious residential areas in Taupō — its 12.83 km² area gives it a more spread-out character than the suburbs closer to the town centre. The eastern boundary of the suburb is close to Mount Tauhara, which is visible from much of the suburb and provides an accessible half-day walk for local residents. The mountain is a dormant lava dome that formed after the Taupō eruption and is distinctive in the landscape — roughly conical, standing alone on the eastern lake shore.
The suburb is home to Tauhara College, which draws secondary school students from across the eastern and southern parts of Taupō. Mountview School (a state primary, established 1970) serves the suburb alongside Tauhara Primary. The Tauhara Golf Course is within the suburb and is the main golf facility for Taupō town.
Mount Tauhara Walk
The track to the summit of Mount Tauhara (1,088 m) begins on Mapara Road, a short drive from the suburb. The walk is approximately 3–4 hours return and involves significant elevation gain through native bush to the summit, which gives panoramic views over Lake Taupō, the volcanic plateau, and on clear days to Ruapehu and Tongariro. It is a popular half-day outing for Taupō residents and visitors.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia – Mount Tauhara — geological background on the dormant lava dome that names and overlooks the suburb.
OneRoof – Tauhara Suburb Profile — residential property market data and suburb information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tauhara in Taupō?
On the eastern side of Taupō town, north of Hilltop and east of Mount View. The suburb extends toward Mount Tauhara, 6 km east of the town centre.
What is Mount Tauhara?
A 1,088-metre dormant lava dome volcano east of Taupō. It is accessible by a 3–4 hour return walk from Mapara Road and offers panoramic views over Lake Taupō and the volcanic plateau.
What schools are in Tauhara, Taupō?
Tauhara Primary School, Mountview School (state primary), and Tauhara College (secondary).
Is Tauhara a good suburb to live in?
Tauhara is an established family suburb with good school access, the Tauhara Golf Course, and proximity to Mount Tauhara for outdoor recreation. It is more spacious than the inner suburbs closer to the CBD.
Tauhara is east of the town centre. For walks accessible from the suburb and surrounding area, see the Taupō walking tracks hub, including the Tauhara Track to the summit of Mount Tauhara.