Our favourite things in and around Taupo
Sightseeing
The falls are just really impressive, free and occasionally you'll see an insane kayaker going over them. There are good walks back to Spa Park, which has a really popular hotpool that you can soak in (again it's free) or alongside the river towards Aratiatia Dam (it's 7km one-way to the dam - so maybe not all the way unless you're a keen runner).
205 locals recommend
Huka Falls station
The falls are just really impressive, free and occasionally you'll see an insane kayaker going over them. There are good walks back to Spa Park, which has a really popular hotpool that you can soak in (again it's free) or alongside the river towards Aratiatia Dam (it's 7km one-way to the dam - so maybe not all the way unless you're a keen runner).
The Aratiatia dam forms part of the Aratiatia Power Station (enabling water to be diverted through the power station). The dam gates are opened daily at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm (in summer) releasing 65,000l of water per second. It's an interesting and impressive site. And there's also a walkway above the old river bed/rapids with a number of viewpoints.
Note, the river bed/rapids are dangerous given the quickly changing water levels. Access is not permitted.
36 locals recommend
Aratiatia Dam
155 Rapids RdThe Aratiatia dam forms part of the Aratiatia Power Station (enabling water to be diverted through the power station). The dam gates are opened daily at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm (in summer) releasing 65,000l of water per second. It's an interesting and impressive site. And there's also a walkway above the old river bed/rapids with a number of viewpoints.
Note, the river bed/rapids are dangerous given the quickly changing water levels. Access is not permitted.
Parks & Nature
Tongariro North Domain
If you’re heading to Rotorua and want hotpools in quite a natural setting, Kerosene Creek is lovely (and it’s free). It's just a stream with a small waterfall (2 1/2m high) that opens out into a shallow pool. The setting is very natural - so the bush and stream etc, but it's not swimming pool like e.g. there's sediment in the water. Has become quite busy recently.
47 locals recommend
Kerosene Creek
Old Waiotapu RoadIf you’re heading to Rotorua and want hotpools in quite a natural setting, Kerosene Creek is lovely (and it’s free). It's just a stream with a small waterfall (2 1/2m high) that opens out into a shallow pool. The setting is very natural - so the bush and stream etc, but it's not swimming pool like e.g. there's sediment in the water. Has become quite busy recently.
Mt Tauhara is our favourite walk in Taupo. It's a reasonably tough walk but the views from the top are really worth it with both views over Taupo and the lake but also amazing views east inland towards Napier. Wouldn't recommend if you have dodgy knees, and it's worth having decent shoes e.g. non-slip.
31 locals recommend
Mount Tauhara
Mt Tauhara is our favourite walk in Taupo. It's a reasonably tough walk but the views from the top are really worth it with both views over Taupo and the lake but also amazing views east inland towards Napier. Wouldn't recommend if you have dodgy knees, and it's worth having decent shoes e.g. non-slip.
Lovely gardens (35ha) maintained by volunteers with views of the Lake. Great for a picnic or a walk/run.
24 locals recommend
Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
Shepherd RoadLovely gardens (35ha) maintained by volunteers with views of the Lake. Great for a picnic or a walk/run.
Spa Park is a fantastic park alongside the Waikato River with a free thermal stream to soak in, kids pump track, flying fox, play equipment, disc golf, dog walking and walks either in the park, along or above the river to Huka Falls.
The walkway along the river to Huka Falls is 3.3km one-way. You can continue on to Aratiatia dam if you're wanting a longer walk.
https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/scenic-attractions/spa-thermal-park-to-huka-falls-walk/.
You can't bike along the walkway but you can bike along the alternative track above the river. https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/scenic-attractions/huka-trails/
NOTE - Otumuhere Stream:
When we last visited (April 2022) the water temperature had dropped so the stream was too cool to soak in.
54 locals recommend
Spa Thermal Park
Spa Park is a fantastic park alongside the Waikato River with a free thermal stream to soak in, kids pump track, flying fox, play equipment, disc golf, dog walking and walks either in the park, along or above the river to Huka Falls.
The walkway along the river to Huka Falls is 3.3km one-way. You can continue on to Aratiatia dam if you're wanting a longer walk.
https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/scenic-attractions/spa-thermal-park-to-huka-falls-walk/.
You can't bike along the walkway but you can bike along the alternative track above the river. https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/scenic-attractions/huka-trails/
NOTE - Otumuhere Stream:
When we last visited (April 2022) the water temperature had dropped so the stream was too cool to soak in.
Essentials
spa road laundromat 2016
177 Spa RdIf you need a dryer these guys are good.
PAK'nSAVE
131 Ruapehu StCountdown Taupo
Tongariro StreetDrinks & Nightlife
Okay nightlife mightn't be the right category but the Sailing Centre is lovely - good pizza, beers and live music on Sundays (just the owner and his friends playing good 80's classics).
69 locals recommend
Two Mile Bay Sailing Club
331 Lake TerraceOkay nightlife mightn't be the right category but the Sailing Centre is lovely - good pizza, beers and live music on Sundays (just the owner and his friends playing good 80's classics).