Taupo Travel Guide

1. Try bungy jumping

Bungy jumping is popular all over New Zealand. If you haven’t tried it in any other region, do it while here. Taupo is home to New Zealand’s highest water touch bungy — when you drop from 47 metres above the Waikato River, you can reach out and touch the water…or dunk yourself straight in! There’s also the Cliffhanger Swing, which lets you swing up to 180 degrees reaching a speed of up to 70 kilometers per hour! Prices start around 169 NZD (this is one of the more affordable bungy options in New Zealand).

2. Go swimming at Turangi

Stroll around the Tokaanu thermal walk, where you can appreciate the geothermal activity free of charge. Make sure you stay on the trail, as wandering off route can be dangerous. The hot springs make for an excellent afternoon of swimming and relaxing in a therapeutic soak, especially during those chilly winter temperatures!

3. Visit Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery

This is a small museum located near the center of town, behind the Great Lake Center on Story Place. It contains exhibits on the Maori, volcanic events, and the 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 special outside area. Admission is 5 NZD for adults and 3 NZD for students and seniors. Children enter free.

4. Climb Mount Tauhara

This dormant volcano sits on the eastern edge of town and can be climbed fairly easily (get directions from your accommodation). You can simply start at the parking lot at the end of Mountain Road and follow the signs up the hill. The climb starts out a little steep, but wandering through the New Zealand bush is something special. You’re likely to encounter plenty of birdlife, and the views at 1,008 metres above sea level over the lake are remarkable!

5. Relax in Butcher’s Pool

This natural thermal spring is rarely crowded, and it’s free! Other than the change room sheds and a simple deck, all you have around you is nature. Named for one of the first settlers in the area, Butcher’s Pool fills from both hot and cold mineral springs, creating a process of continuously renewing and cleaning itself.

6. Hit up the Turoa Ski Area

Found in the Tongariro National Park, this is a marvelous place for skiers of all levels. Thanks to Mount Ruapehu’s southwest slopes and its unique volcanic terrain, this area is famous for its steep chutes, dramatic drops, and snow-filled basins. There’s also endless backcountry to explore. There is gear for rent or purchase, as well as a ski school. Snowboarding is not advised. Day passes begin at 125 NZD per person, but if you’re sticking to the beginner’s area they are only 85 NZD per person.

7. See the Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon is walkway that meanders through an other-wordly geothermal lunar landscape. The Main Track is an easy-going 45-minute loop through the area, but you can add an extra 20-minute hike for better views from a higher viewpoint. You’ll see bubbling craters and steaming vents as you explore, and it’s just 8 NZD to access the trail.

8.Go jet boating on the Waikato River

Not only is Waikato River the largest river in New Zealand, but it also happens to be the best spot for boating. Jet boating is popular because of the high-speed thrills and fun; you’ll zip, zoom, and spin around the river’s turquoise waters. Depending on your tour guide, you’ll also hit up some rapids, or get up close to Huka Falls. Only certain areas of the river are open for this activity. Tickets start at 115 NZD for adults, with discounts available for families and children. .

9. Walk around Western Bay

Western Bay has some pleasant walking trails and scenic viewpoints. The Rimu Walking Track takes just 30 minutes, and is a pleasant loop though beautiful forests. Cross the bridge at the Kakaho Campground and follow the river around to a great swimming hole. From here there is a climb up to a lookout with good views of Mount Pureora. For something a little longer, try the three-hour Waihaha Tramping Track. This track starts on SH 32 beside the Waihaha River. The grade is generally easy with a few short steep sections. You’ll meander through regenerating bush before sidling upwards along the edge of the Waihaha Gorge. At the top of the gorge the track diverts away from the river and climbs over a low hill to Pokaiora Clearing — a large heathland covered in tussocks and monoao.

10. Go trout fishing

Lake Taupo and the rivers in the Great Lake Taupo region are a trout fishing mecca. The town of Turangi is known as the ‘Trout Fishing Capital of New Zealand’ and is a great place to base yourself to experience the best that New Zealand trout and fly fishing has to offer. You can read about my experience trout fishing here.

11. Hike Mount Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and it’s just a short drive from Lake Taupo. Skyline Ridge is a walk that can be done in approximately 1.5-2 hours, round trip. The route climbs up Skyline Ridge to an altitude of 2,300 meters, and you are rewarded at the top by sweeping views of Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo. You can also hike Meads Wall, which is is a spectacular volcanic rock formation popular with rock climbers and sightseers. It has more recently become known as the location where parts of The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. Meads Wall is a 30-minute walk on a marked trail leaving from the Whakapapa Ski Area.