THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Taupo
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Things to Do in Taupo
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Huka Falls Tracks, Lake Taupo, Extreme Sports, Hot Springs & Geysers. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Huka Falls Tracks, Lake Taupo, Extreme Sports, Hot Springs & Geysers. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Taupo.
On the Waterfromper adultAU$140
Sightseeing Cruisesfromper adultAU$47
Sightseeing Cruisesfromper adultAU$56- fromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$561
Escape Roomsfromper adultAU$35
Sightseeing Passesfromper adultAU$255
Sailingfromper adultAU$52- fromper adultAU$256
- fromper adultAU$2,398
On the Waterfromper adultAU$141
Hiking Trails
Scenic waterfall and surrounding forest with easy walks and viewpoints, complete with river cruises and walking/cycling trails for nature enthusiasts.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Bodies of Water
Scenic freshwater lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, featuring unique dining in an old plane, a variety of shops, and a family-friendly playground.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Bodies of Water
Witness the dramatic transformation of a tranquil river into a powerful display of rapids with scheduled dam water releases, viewed from multiple vantage points along nature trails.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Hiking Trails
Scenic geothermal landscape with steam vents and occasional bubbling mud pools, featuring well-maintained trails that wind through a serene natural setting with panoramic views.
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Art Galleries
Glass studio and sculpture garden showcasing colourful, handcrafted creations. Enjoy live glassblowing demonstrations and unique art pieces amidst vibrant gardens and a relaxing café.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Other Top Attractions around Taupo
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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What travellers are saying
- SWBSydney, Australia1,098 contributionsA great spot close to the city. Recommend getting here early as it gets really busy.
Highly recommend a walk or run along the river trails. There are some stunning views.Written 25 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SWBSydney, Australia1,098 contributionsAn absolute must in taupo and impossible to avoid as it's the towns focal point.
Hard to imagine it was a volcano until you dig in the beach by the scout hall and find hot water from the hidden spring. You can walk for miles on the lakeside paths and is a must do for all runners, walkers and cyclists.Written 25 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Emma HParkwood, Australia48 contributionsThis was an easy drive from Taupo, well signed. The water release was worth the wait, with a number of view points to see. Walk to the viewing area was an easy track. A great free experienceWritten 19 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JaidaBrisbane, Australia10 contributionsScenes were beautiful. Easy to find as we just parked up, and followed the map sign. Very quiet as we arrived an hour before closing on a weekday. More so lukewarm water and mainly in the area near the bridge. This area is very shallow, so good to sit in and for little ones.Written 19 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tim W53 contributionsInteresting and informative and the visit involves walking around the site on wooden walkways or paths. Numerous holes venting steam, but the mud holes were dried up when we visited. The tour takes about an hour, but no geysers or other “wow” features.Written 11 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lian Tiong GSubang Jaya, Malaysia4,666 contributionsA nice cottage like glass outlet and glass scultures maker. Beautiful glass scultures and glassware souvenirs The demonstration and explanation on the glass sculturing is interesting. There is also a cafe within the shop. An eye openers and a nice stop over meeting nice and friendly people.Written 26 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dhanbai P11 contributionsActual carving disappointment after appx 45 mins boat ride(one way) with not much of interest during the journey (mention of cafes(!!) along the land edge etc.).
Possibly best to make the experience more fun by making trip on hired kayak or rven better on jet skiWritten 4 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DarthgeloDoha, Qatar48 contributionsOrdered deep fried calamari and half kilo of prawns in garlic butter, and they were huge! The aioli dip for calamari is great, but the dip for the prawn needs a little tweak, so i decided to mix it together and it tasted better.
The service was fast even with many tables were occupied during lunch. The host (Rachael) was very accommodating and
Recommended to go for outside tables as you will have a view of the water from Huka falls as well the Huka jet.Written 24 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - familytravel4x4Liphook, UK728 contributionsWe were a bit confused to begin with as there seemed to be no obvious car park. So we continued to drive around the gardens looking for one; there was the occasional car parked at the side of the road, and the further we drove we realised that there were some positions, albeit limited in space where cars could be parked. So once you know the gardens, you could go straight to your favourite part and find the nearest ‘pull in’ then park and walk. So the gardens can accommodate quite a few cars, albeit the numbers will still be limited. Despite this aspect, the gardens are still worth a visit, especially at this time of year given that the rhododendrons and azaleas are spectacular, and there are even some camilla still in bloom. A gem but the lack of parking may put some people off; but well worth the effort.Written 30 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Shelley MAlbany, New Zealand918 contributionsWe took our grand sons for a lovely morning out. Animals are quite relaxed and kid friendly and boys enjoying feeding them. Love the large playground for kids to run around. Staff run through safety and layout with you as you enter. Good coffee too. We really enjoyed it. Lots of parking available and close to taupo. Love how it's so natural lots of trees. Best place in Taupo for young children to enjoy. Bring some wet wipes for your hands as they get slobbered on but that's all part of the experience.Written 3 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mortelad51Napier, New Zealand112 contributionsOff the beaten track a little on an unsealed road that has a few pot holes. But well worth the visit. An ‘au naturelle’ track is part of the appeal. Nothing too spectacular but a nice walk and gets you up close and personal with some of nature’s little wonders. Very secluded and sheltered with a cafe, camp grounds and a range of free range animals. Enjoyed the visit after passing the entrance for many years and wondering where it led, and well worth the reasonable entrance fee.Written 4 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ceda W7 contributionsStaff were so kind and the exhibits were really insightful. Loved the interactive experience with the Marae, caravan and the geothermal system. 10/10 would recommend.Written 1 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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