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What to See in Taupo | Complete Guide
Taupo is a city that receives a lot of tourism thanks to its perfect location in the middle of the North Island of New Zealand and being on the shores of the largest lake in the entire country, which is actually a crater formed by one of the Volcanic eruptions largest in history. In addition, it has a beautiful natural environment and is close to the Tongagiro Alpine CrossingIn this article we share with you what we consider to be the Top 10 things to do or see in Taupo.
So keep reading and aim well for your New Zealand itinerary! We've also left you recommendations for free accommodation and campsites.
- 10 things to see in Taupo
- 1. Huka Falls
- 2. Maori-carved rocks at Lake Taupo, the best thing to see in Taupo
- 3. McDonald's in Taupo, the most unusual restaurant to see in Taupo
- 4. Hole-in-one at Lake Taupo
- 5. Wairakei Terraces Thermal Pools, the most relaxing thing to do in Taupo
- 6. Craters of the Moon
- 7. Taupo Street Art
- 8. Aratiatia Rapids – Lord of the Rings locations to see in Taupo
- 9. Free hot springs at Otumuheke Stream
- 10. Tongagiro Alpine Crossing
- Where to stay in Taupo
10 stuff what to see in Taupo
Taupo and its surrounding areas are a must-see on New Zealand's North Island, and it's not only a favorite among foreigners, but also a favorite holiday destination for Kiwis. If you have the chance, make a point of visiting it. at least a full day to discover why.
1. Huka Falls
The Huka Falls are one of the most impressive waterfalls we have seen in New Zealand, and not because of their height, which is actually very low, but because the brutal force that carriesThis waterfall is formed by the enormous flow of the Waikato River, the longest in the country and originating in Lake Taupo. Every second, more than 220.000 liters of water precipitate (approximately the same number of liters as an Olympic-sized swimming pool!) through this narrow stone gorge, transforming its color to an intense light blue due to the force and speed of the water.
The best thing of all is that there is a bridge that crosses over the waterfall From here, you can get an incredible perspective of the power of this place. The bridge is next to the parking lot, so you don't have to walk far to get there. However, if you want a longer walk, many trails start from the waterfall, leading through the forest surrounding the river.
2. Maori-carved rocks at Lake Taupo, the best thing to see in Taupo
Like Rotorua, Taupo has also been home to many Maori communities throughout history. A great example of this is Maori rock carvings that you can see on one of the walls of the lake.
Don't miss our recommended routes:
North island in 9 days
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A peculiarity is that although the main sculpture measures more than 10 meters They are only visible from the waterTo visit them you have to take an excursion in sailboat, go in kayak Or even some brave souls swim in. We entered through a nearby access point with our kayak. Let us know in the comments at the end of the article if you can't find it on the map, and we'll share it with you.
Without a doubt, it's one of the most special things to see in Taupo and the entire North Island, at least that's what it seemed to us, since we also had a beautiful day and the lake was as clear as a lake.
3. McDonald's in Taupo, the most unusual restaurant to see in Taupo
When you walk through the center of Taupo you cannot miss its iconic McDonald's, officially recognized as the coolest in the world. It's not the best restaurant in town, but it's a genuine tourist attraction. In its courtyard, they have nothing less than a real DC-3 airplane, perfectly integrated; you can even park it.car the car under his wing.
El the interior of the plane is enabled with tables so you can enjoy your meal while feeling like a passenger. You can see the cockpit, which is intact, and some documents that tell the incredible story of how this plane, built for the American army, ended up in Taupo.
4. Hole in one on Lake Taupo
Taupo's famous hole-in-one is one of the most fun and unusual things to see in Taupo. Or if you know how to play golf, you might even want to try it. In the middle of Lake Taupo, you'll see a small floating platform with colorful pennants, and right in front of it, you'll find an area with artificial grass and many bags full of golf clubs. An interesting competition is held here, which consists of try to hit a golf ball onto the floating platform and try to hit the hole.
If you're lucky and get a hole-in-one, you can win a substantial cash prize of NZ$10.000. There's a tally of how many people have done it, and there are already a lot of them! It's a fun activity to watch, as many experienced golfers and inexperienced tourists try their luck. Plus, the Panoramic view of the lake makes the stop worthwhile.
5. Wairakei Terraces Thermal Pools, the most relaxing thing to do in Taupo
The Wairakei Terraces Thermal Pools, located just minutes from Taupo, are an ideal place to relax after several days of cross-country trekking. outdoor, in a beautiful setting and its waters are rich in minerals such as silica, sulfur, magnesium and potassium.
The place has several pools of different temperatures, surrounded by gardens and terraces that mimic the geothermal landscapes of the area. They have the option of entering take a bath, or of take a guided tour which explores the silica terraces to admire the natural formations and learn about the history and cultural significance of the area.
6. Craters of the Moon
Another of the best places to see in Taupo is Craters of the Moon, a geothermal park that, as its name suggests, looks like something from another planet. It is full of smoking craters, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools, a result of the intense volcanic activity in the area, since Taupo is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Personally we believe that they are most impressive Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu Volcanic Valley in Rotorua, but if you are a big fan of places like this, be sure to also visit Craters of the Moon, it is also a cheaper alternative to the other two.
7. Taupo Street Art
The streets and alleys of downtown Taupo are filled with murals that bring buildings and public spaces to life, creating a small outdoor gallery. This project, known as Graffiato: Taupo Street Art Festivalbrings together the work of local and international artists who leave their mark on the streets of Taupo with colorful works featuring different styles, themes, and meanings. These works are one of the best things to see in Taupo; turn any corner and you might be surprised by a mural.
I leave you linked the map and website with information from the artists.
8. Aratiatia Rapids – Lord of the Rings locations to see in Taupo
The Aratiatia Rapids, located about a 20-minute drive from Taupo, are one of the most impressive attractions in the region along with Huka Falls. The downside is that they are only spectacular when the dam's floodgates open, causing a dramatic release of water and creating rapids. This powerful phenomenon caught the attention of the creators of the famous Huka Falls saga. The Lord of the Rings.
Opening hours of the floodgates:
Summer (October to March) 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm
Winter (April to September) 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm
In this very place They recorded a scene of the desolation of smaug where Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves escape from the elven fortress by hiding in wooden barrels. If you are a lover of The Lord of the RingsThe Aratiatia Rapids are a must-see stop in Taupo.
9. Free hot springs at Otumuheke Stream
One of the last things I recommend you do in Taupo has to do with the hot springs. In the city there are two free places where you can enjoy a little swim or at least soak your feet in warm water.
The best is the Otumuheke Stream which is located within the park Spa Thermal Park, its name says it all. Keep in mind that it's naturally heated, so the temperature fluctuates a lot throughout the year and can be quite hot (or cold).
Another point with free thermal water is known as Taharepa Baths and is located on the shores of Lake Taupo, right on the promenade that runs along the lake. It's barely deep, so it's mainly used for soaking, although during our visit the water was too warm to stay in for more than a few seconds.
Anyway, I think it's well worth doingcarsAnd, in few places in the world will you be able to touch thermal water right in front of a frozen lake (which is actually a gigantic crater!), as you can see from the photo, the place is beautiful.
10. Tongagiro Alpine Crossing
If you like trekking, Tongariro Alpine Crossing It's one of the best hikes you can do near Taupo and in New Zealand in general. It's considered one of the best hikes in the country, and we can attest that the place is mind-blowing. It's a 20-km hike through volcanic landscapes, turquoise lakes, and with views of Mount Ngauruhoe, better known as Mount Doom of Mordor. Also, Tongariro National Park, an area of great cultural significance for the Maori, as it is linked to their myths and legends.
If you dare to do the route, don't miss our complete guide about him How to do the Tongagiro Alpine CrossingYou'll also find details about the terrain: elevation, difficulty, type of terrain, what you need, etc.
Where to stay in Taupo
Hotels in Taupo
As a popular vacation destination for both international and domestic tourists, the accommodation offering is vast and caters to all tastes. Here are some recommendations based on budget:
Silver Fern Lodge 🇧🇷 Centrally located, with balcony and shared kitchen.
Finlay Jack's ($$)Central, clean and with several common areas.
Anchorage Resort 🇧🇷: Entire apartment, pool and views.
Free camping in Taupo
If you are traveling in a camper van or carcarAvana, you're in luck because in Taupo there are a couple of places where you can camp for free without having to fight for spots. The closest place to the town center is Hipapatua Recreational ReserveThere are no designated parking spaces, and there's plenty of room, so everyone parks wherever they can/want. The downside is that the bathrooms are a bit poor compared to other campsites in the country.
Another very good place to camp for free is in the Aratiatia Rapids parking lot, one of the places we recommended on this list of places to see in Taupo. Again, there are plenty of squares, and being a little further from the city, it's not too crowded. We spent one night in both.
So far our recommendations of the Top 10 Things to Do in Taupo, a city that we loved during our 3-month route through New ZealandIf you have any questions or recommendations, please let us know in the comments!
