How to Spend a Day in Taupō

With natural wonders everywhere you look, Taupō is an epicentre for adventurous, water-based activities on the North Island. Centred around the largest lake in New Zealand, the town is incredibly scenic and a lively hub for both locals and tourists. Encompassing the Wairakei geothermal field and the Taupō Volcanic Zone, you’ll see steaming craters and looming volcanoes during your time here. Whether you’re visiting for a family-friendly holiday, a romantic getaway or a solo travel adventure, a day out in Taupō will leave you wanting to come back for more!

Breakfast at Huka Falls

Head to Huka Falls for an invigorating start to your day. Here you can watch the dramatic falls rush beneath your feet from the lookout above and if the weather permits, you can experience the immaculate falls up close on a jet boat! For breakfast, seafood lovers can visit the riverside restaurant at Huka Prawn Park for a taste of the region’s famous prawns. Plus, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about the history of prawn fishing in the area and even hand-feed baby prawns! If seafood isn’t your thing, we recommend a meal at Victoria’s Cafe Kitchen Bar for excellent coffee and a delightful menu in a cosy setting. After breakfast, there are plenty of trails to choose from for a post-meal walk near the falls. The River Side Trail is a popular choice that’ll take you alongside the riverbank, leading you to the Taupō Bungy and Swing.

Majestic waterfalls
Jet boating and river cruises
Huka Prawn Park
Walking trails

A Lunchtime Full of Adventure

Adventure-seekers, it’s your time to shine! Leap into a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Taupō Bungy Centre. As the name suggests, you can plunge head-first and dangle inches from the Waikato River at New Zealand’s only cliff-top bungy. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key but equally inspiring, the Craters of the Moon thermal walkway is a must-see during your time in Taupō. This geothermal site is home to steaming craters, vents and mud pools that’ll make you feel just like you’ve landed on the surface of the moon! Here you can take the 40-minute loop walk which brings you past the bubbling craters, with lookouts and views of the surrounding forest along the way. For lunch, the Taupō town centre offers a selection of cafes, restaurants and bakeries. Opt to park your rental car in town, take your lunch and head to the Tongariro Domain for a picnic among rock sculptures and historical statues on the edge of the lake. After lunch, take a short stroll to the nearby Taupō Museum and Art Gallery. Here you’ll learn about Taupō’s volcanic history, local Maori culture and even see a skeleton of the extinct native Moa bird.

Wind down at Wairakei

After an exciting and energetic day, treat yourself to a relaxing evening at the Wairakei Terraces. Feel your worries melt away with a soak in the region’s famed geothermal pools. There are four pools at the Terraces, each at a different temperature, so you can truly experience serenity and comfort in the pool of your choice. With water streamed from the surrounding silica terraces, the pools are rich in minerals and are said to have healing properties. After you’ve relaxed those muscles and are ready to get moving again, discover the streams, geysers and terraces with a self-guided walk. The walk showcases the area’s natural wonders, with intricate carvings and native bird songs to be seen and heard. Feeling extra fancy? Wrap up with a hot stone massage or facial at the thermal health spa. You’ll leave the Terraces feeling zen, so now it’s time to finish off strong with a comforting dinner. We recommend taking a short drive back into town and dining at Dixie Browns for a reasonably priced meal with an expansive menu.

Geothermal pools
Spa treatments
Dixie Browns
Parking available

From hot springs to rushing waterfalls, Taupō is the perfect destination for a holiday full of interactive activities, sightseeing and being in nature. Plus, with ample parking along the way, exploring the highlights of this town and its surroundings is easy in an Ace rental car. An excellent destination for all seasons, it’s time to plan your trip to the North Island’s epic adventure hotspot.