Sue’s guidebook
Food scene
Local pub and restaurant, tasty meals, 5 minutes walk from Hilltop Cottage
22 locals recommend
Mole & Chicken Restaurant Cafe & Bar
40 Taharepa RdLocal pub and restaurant, tasty meals, 5 minutes walk from Hilltop Cottage
Yummy food, and sensational mosaic artwork, set above Acacia Bay.
70 locals recommend
L'arté Cafe & Gallery
255 Mapara RdYummy food, and sensational mosaic artwork, set above Acacia Bay.
Things to do
Variety of pools, waterslides, lazy river, indoor/outdoor, great for kids.
26 locals recommend
AC Baths and Thermal Hot Pools station
Variety of pools, waterslides, lazy river, indoor/outdoor, great for kids.
Taupo Bungy
202 Spa RdAdrenaline adventure plunging high above the beautiful Waikato river
Excellent mountain biking park with an extensive network of trails for all abilities.
14 locals recommend
Craters of the Moon Mountain Bike Trails
Poihipi RoadExcellent mountain biking park with an extensive network of trails for all abilities.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Best one day walk in NZ
Gateway to Whakapapa Skifield, Mt Ruapehu.
14 locals recommend
Whakapapa Visitor Centre Department of Conservation
Gateway to Whakapapa Skifield, Mt Ruapehu.
Sightseeing
Powerful and beautiful canyon, and waterfall with clear aquamarine waters.
205 locals recommend
Huka Falls station
Powerful and beautiful canyon, and waterfall with clear aquamarine waters.
Easily accessible geothermal field, with boardwalks through the steam and mud.
42 locals recommend
Craters of the Moon
171 Karapiti RdEasily accessible geothermal field, with boardwalks through the steam and mud.
Traveler advice
What to pack
Don't forget your togs, many swimming spots, hot and cold.
Sit in the geothermal hot water at the bottom of Spa Park.