Taupo

Taupo New Zealand
Taupo is situated on the shores of Lake Taupo and is like a quiet version of Queenstown. It has a lot of great hikes, great fishing and is the jumping off point for the Tongariro crossing. There are impressive Huka Falls nearby – a great area for picnics and nature walks. Near the falls, you can find a free hot springs. The town is very outdoor oriented and it’s nature setting makes it extremely beautiful. It’s one of my favorite places in New Zealand.

New Zealand Travel Resources

Buying a Travel Backpack
Finding Cheap Accommodation
How to Find a Cheap Flight
Budgeting for New Zealand
New Zealand Backpacker Buses
My Favorite New Zealand Hostels
Waitomo’s Glow Worm Caves
Great Reasons to Visit New Zealand

Costs in Taupo

  • Hostel Prices: Dorm rooms cost around $24 NZD per night and private rooms start at $55 NZD per night.
  • Budget Hotel Prices: Rooms with TV and private bath cost around $75 NZD per night.
  • Average Cost of Food: A typical restaurant meal with cost you about $15 NZD. A good restaurant will cost between $30-40 NZD per day. If you choose to cook your food, plan to spend about $50-80 NZD per week. You can find sandwiches around for $6 NZD and fast food like McDonald’s or Burger King costs between $7-10 NZD.
  • Cost of Internet: Most places have Global Gossip internet for $5 NZD per hour. McDonalds has free wi-fi/
  • Transportation Costs: The Taupo Connector is the official bus system of the city. Single and return trip fares are $1.30-$2.00 NZD.

Things to Do in Taupo

  • Tongariro Crossing – Considered the best day hike in all of New Zealand, the crossing takes you where they filmed Mordor from Lord of the Rings. The 19.4 km walk is easy at parts and steep at others. It was one of the best things I did while in New Zealand. It’s a beautiful hike and the best thing to do in the area.
  • Taupo Tandem Skydiving – It’s the best skydiving in New Zealand with Lake Taupo providing a nice view. It costs $200 NZD for a 12,000 ft jump.
  • Taupo Bungy – Bungy is popular all over New Zealand and none less in Taupo. If you haven’t tried it in any other region, do it while here. The view is spectacular and reasonably priced.
  • Swimming at Turangi – The hot springs in the river are a great place to go relax and swim during the day. During the winter, it’s a great way to stay warm.
  • Huka Falls – This is one of the fastest moving waterfalls in country. The water moves so fast it is pure blue like an iceberg because of the lack of oxygen in it. It’s close to the city and the best way to get there is to hike to it.
  • Lake Taupo – The lake is the main attraction in town, with a great boardwalk of restaurants around it and some great nearby hikes. During the summer, the lake is a popular place to go trout fishing, sailing, jetskiing, swimming, and boating. A day in the lake is something you should really consider.
  • Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery – A small museum located near the centre of town behind the Great Lake Center on Story Place. Contains exhibits on the Maori, Volcanic and early European history of Taupo. A Maori meeting house is also recreated within the building and exhibitions of art by local and New Zealand artists are ongoing. The “Ora” garden which won the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show has recently been added in a specially created outside area.
  • Lion’s Walk – A walkway starting in town and heading south for about 5 miles following the lake edge. Paved in places through the efforts of local service clubs.
  • Mount Tauhara – The mountain sitting on the eastern edge of town can be climbed fairly easily (get directions from your accommodation) and the views from the top on a clear day are remarkable, take your camera.
  • Butcher’s Pool – This is an awesome, natural thermal spring is rarely crowded. Other than the changing sheds and a simple deck, all you have around you is natural landscape. If you plan to check out Orakei Korako, you should include this stop in your plans.
  • Turoa Ski Area – Found in the Tongariro National Park, this is a marvelous place for skiing – from beginners to advanced alike. There is gear for rental or purchase, available, as well as, a ski school. Snowboarding is not advised.
  • Jet Boating – Not only is Waikato river the largest river in New Zealand, but it also happens to be the most popular spot for boating. Jet boating is popular because of the high-speed thrills and fun. Only certain areas of the river are open for this activity.
  • The Great Lake Center – Often host to conventions, performances, and exhibitions, there is always something going on here. If you are looking for something to do beyond all of the physical activity, this is a great place to start. Current programs are available at the i-SITE (tourism information).
  • Greak Lake Cycle Challenge – If you are a big fan of cycling, you will be stoked on this event. What started with 30 riders, this challenge now draws more than 10,000 participants from all over the world. It is held every November.

Budget Tips for Taupo

  • Explore the Area: Taupo has lots of free walks and stuff to do. There are heaps of activities like walks, skydiving, the lake, and going to the mountains. There’s always something to do here for free.