Plan a winter trip to Taupo. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial guide.
Taupo — TL;DR
The North Island's volcanic lake town, where bungee jumping over Lake Taupo meets the Tongariro Crossing's world-class day hike.
Taupo overview
December to March offers warm weather for lake activities and the Tongariro Crossing, while June to September is best for skiing.
Taupo's lakefront and town centre are very walkable, with most cafes, bars, and attractions within easy reach and the Tongariro Crossing trailhead a drive south.
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
English and te reo Māori.
NZST (UTC+12, UTC+13 in summer)
Taupo's tourism continues to center on its volcanic lake setting, with bungee jumping and jet boating over Lake Taupo and the Tongariro Crossing's reputation as one of the best one-day walks in the world anchoring a backpacker-adventure identity supported by cheap hostel accommodation and a lively Saturday market.
Where to eat, drink & do in Taupo
Taupo neighborhoods
Taupo lakefront The walkable heart of town on the edge of Lake Taupo, offering lake views and access to sailboats and thermal baths.
Taupo town centre Home to plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants, with the Saturday market selling fresh produce and local crafts.
Tongariro Crossing district Home to the Tongariro Crossing, considered one of the best one-day walks in the world.
Practical info for Taupo
Getting around in Taupo? Taupo's lakefront and town centre are very walkable, with most cafes, bars, and attractions within easy reach and the Tongariro Crossing trailhead a drive south.
When to go in Taupo? December to March offers warm weather for lake activities and the Tongariro Crossing, while June to September is best for skiing.
What's changing now in Taupo? Taupo's tourism continues to center on its volcanic lake setting, with bungee jumping and jet boating over Lake Taupo and the Tongariro Crossing's reputation as one of the best one-day walks in the world anchoring a backpacker-adventure ide
Seek out Taupo's free hikes and mountain access in Taupo? Heaps of free activities like hikes, visiting the lake, and going to the mountains, beyond the paid adventure sports.
Base yourself in Taupo lakefront in Taupo? The walkable heart of town on the edge of Lake Taupo, offering lake views and access to sailboats and thermal baths. Known for walkable lakefront, lake views.