NORTH ISLAND SOUTH ISLAND TRAVEL PLANNING ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES ATTRACTIONS ROMANTIC FOOD & WINE SHOPPING NZ TRAVEL FAQ's BOOKS & STORIES SITE RESOURCES
As you travel south, you will want to spend a day or two of your holiday in New Zealand in and around Taupo, located in the centre of the North Island. There is a wide range of outdoor activities you can enjoy from a base in this beautiful lakeside town.
With Lake Taupo the largest lake in the North Island, and the world’s largest fresh water volcanic lake as its centre piece, it is a popular holiday destination for both locals and tourists. The mountains....often snow tipped, rise behind, creating a spectacular view across Lake Taupo.
Geothermal power is harnessed at Wairakei,.......you’ll probaby see the plumes of steam as you drive in from the north. There are several areas where thermal activity can be seen. Orakei Korako would be the most spectacular in this area and highly recommended as a place to visit.
There are several beautiful rivers around Taupo. The Waikato River feeds into Lake Taupo and is the biggest ......... with the Huka Falls a major feature. The Tongariro River is home to many exciting activities including white water rafting, jetboating and trout fishing.
Turangi ....originally built for Italian tunnellers working on the power station, is about 22 kilometres away and has much to do. I have treated it as an extension of Taupo here.
National Park in the Central North Island – is also within easy reach with the many mountain activities to be experienced -
–You can do a freefall tandem skydive into Lake Taupo - a popular tourism activity.
Float plane – This is a more unusual flight which takes you over the very scenic Lake and mountain areas
Tongariro River Rafting is another great adventure activity
Kayaking – You can choose from scenic kayaking or white water kayaking( on a Grade 2 section of the Tongariro River) - the lakes and rivers are all excellent for some good kayaking. I have done some interesting kayaking round different parts of the lake, privately, but there are also companies hiring kayaks.
Taupo is world re-knowned for its trout fishing. People come to try their hand at flyfishing in the rivers.........and to get away from everything.... in the magnificent , very peaceful and scenic rivers found around Taupo. Others prefer to fish on the lake. If you do not have access to a private boat there are boat charters and day fishing trips.Tongariro Lodge Guiding service has guides tp take you trout fishing. You must have a license to trout fish...even for a day!There are numerous fishing companies CLICK Trout Fishing Lake Taupo to find the one that suits you best.
Taupo Sightseeing
Huka Falls – These magnificent Falls at the bottom of the Waikato River are a must to see. Located in Wairakei Park, there is accommodation, walks and for those wanting an adrenaline rush a jetboat.
Prawn Farm – Shawn the Prawn will give you a guided tour - Hand feed and Catch your own prawns, and enjoy a prawn meal here at the farm.A thoroughly prawn outing.
Boat trip out to the Maori Carvings
The Taupo Museum also features The Pure New Zealand Ora - “Garden of Well Being” which won a gold award at the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show in the UK.and is a wonderful example of a New Zealand garden – YOU CAN HAVE A SNEAK PREVIEW of Taupo Museum and Ora Garden here.
Do the Jetboat Tour to see the ten metre high Maori Carvings at Mine Bay. Only accessible by boat or sea kayak .......it is a lovely trip on the lake getting to the carvings on the cliff face.
For some Maori Culture there is a tour to Wairakei Terraces where you can experience the full Maori cultural experience including a hangi ( traditionally cooked meal) and a concert.
Aratiatia Rapids – about ten kilometres from Taupo this power station and dam is a pleasant place for a picnic. The water is spilled daily.
Walks and Hikes
Have a look at Walks around Taupo for a list of walks in and around Taupo
I highly recommend the Round the Lake Pounamu Walk which is beautiful.
Golf in Taupo
There are several golf courses in the area around Taupo including Wairakei Golf Course and Turangi Golf Course.
Taupo Mini Golf is great for some undemanding fun.
It is also popular as a romantic honeymoon destination. There are several lodges, spa resorts and luxury accommodations to be found in the area. Many are located right on the lake edge, or just across the road with expansive lake views.
Taupo Accommodation I Can Recommend
Millennium Manuels Taupo– This is lakeside and a 4 star hotel. A little away from the main town it is a pleasant outlook over the lake, with the restaurant right on the lake edge.
Great Lake Motel –This is a great place to stay especially for a family as the units are very spacious.We have used this motel several times.
Wairakei Hotel – often used for conventions – it is average accommodation, and a little out of the town. Not for those without transport.
Caboose Lodge – The decor is based on an African safari lodge .It is very lovely decor......but the basic rooms are very very small.
De Bretts Hotel and Spa – is at the foot of the Napier Taupo Rd and has thermal pools and full spa treatments. It is also New Zealand’s only Caravan Park Spa resort. A 5 star Thermal Holiday Park there is a 50% discount for guests wanting to swim in the thermal pools.
There are 8 Hostels around and all are offering different things. Some have lovely views, hangi meals, some are very central. Others are small and quiet. Prices are variable from cheap to average.
Restaurants and Cafes
You will find a great selection of eating places around Taupo. The hotels all have dining rooms with buffets and a la carte menus. In the town there are many eating establishments to choose from.
Cafes I Highly Recommend
Replete – 45 Heu Heu Street - I always have at least one lunch at this cafe that has now been open for many years, and continues to serve delicious , meals. You can enjoy everything from breakfasts, lunches with hot dishes such as the Thai Curry – very good! Lasagne, and other dishes, home made cakes and slices etc. Their coffee is very good.Highly Recommended.
Flax Cafe –Horomatangi St – This is our regular haunt for Sunday breakfast before we head home! The coffe is fantastic, and the breakfasts delicious.
The Brantry - 45 Rifle Range Rd – This is a wonderful restaurant in an old house. The restaurant is in the downstairs area with heavy wooden beams creating an old world atmosphere. The menu and food is excellent! I have enjoyed dinners here, and had a very memorable Christmas dinner! It was like being in a home......I would love to go again.
Santorinis Italian Restaurant and Bar - 45 Rifle Range Rd – This is another restaurant where I have had excellent meals on several occasions. Highly recommended.
Fairways Restaurant - State Hwy 1Wairakei Resort – This is your usual hotel buffet, but I have found them to be good.
Bridge Fishing Lodge - Turangi - Serve very nice meals in a cosy lodge with stone fireplace and a relaxed hunting/fishing lodge ambiance
There are many more to choose from.
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