Wharewaka is a residential suburb on the western shore of Lake Taupō, south of the town centre. The suburb fronts the lake with a popular swimming and boat-launch area at Wharewaka Point, and the Lions Walk lakeside path connects it to the wider foreshore. Wharewaka has seen significant residential growth in recent years, with new developments adding to an established housing base that dates back to the 1930s.
Location and Character
| Location | Western shore of Lake Taupō, south of Taupō town centre |
| Suburb rank | 11th largest in Taupō by residential housing stock |
| Housing | Mix — oldest homes from 1930s; new developments adding stock in 2020s |
| Lake access | Wharewaka Point — swimming beach, boat launch |
| Walking | Lions Walk lakeside path; lakefront reserve |
| Character | Mix of permanent residents and holiday homes; growing community |
The Suburb
Wharewaka’s setting on the western lake shore gives it direct lake frontage and a quiet, lifestyle-oriented character. Wharewaka Point is the main public lake access area within the suburb — a popular swimming beach and boat-launch location during summer, with a reserve area and lakefront access for residents. The Lions Walk connects the suburb’s foreshore to the wider Taupō lakefront promenade.
The suburb has a significant proportion of holiday homes, giving it a quieter feel outside the summer season. Two recent residential developments — Wharewaka Point Development and the Lakeside development — have added new housing stock to the area, with new house and land packages in the $800,000–$900,000 range. True lakeside frontage properties remain rare and are priced at a significant premium.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia – Wharewaka — suburb profile and location context.
OneRoof – Wharewaka Suburb Profile — residential property market data for Wharewaka.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wharewaka in Taupō?
On the western shore of Lake Taupō, south of the Taupō town centre. Wharewaka Road runs through the suburb along the lake edge.
What is Wharewaka Point?
The main public lake access area in Wharewaka — a popular swimming beach and boat-launch spot in summer, with a lakefront reserve.
Is Wharewaka growing?
Yes — two recent residential developments (Wharewaka Point Development and the Lakeside development) have added new housing to the suburb, which was previously dominated by older homes and holiday properties.
Are there walking tracks in Wharewaka?
The Lions Walk lakeside path connects Wharewaka to the wider Taupō foreshore, running along the lake edge.
Wharewaka is on the western lake shore south of Taupō. The Taupō walking tracks hub covers walks throughout the district.