Taupo town centre
Taupo, New Zealand
Home to plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants, with the Saturday market selling fresh produce and local crafts.
Places in Taupo town centre
- Taupo locally farmed restaurants Restaurants serving locally farmed meat and veg among the town's plentiful dining options.
- Taupo cozy cafes Cozy cafes serving fresh, hearty fare in the walkable town centre.
- Saturday market food stalls Fresh produce and local crafts sold every Saturday from 9am-1pm, with a free art exhibition.
- Taupo lively bars and pubs Lively bars and pubs among the town's plentiful cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Practical notes for Taupo
- Best time to visit
- December to March offers warm weather for lake activities and the Tongariro Crossing, while June to September is best for skiing.
- Getting around
- 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.
- Currency
- New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- Language
- English and te reo Māori.
- Timezone
- NZST (UTC+12, UTC+13 in summer)
- Current trends
- 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.
Other neighborhoods in Taupo
- Taupo lakefront — The walkable heart of town on the edge of Lake Taupo, offering lake views and access to sailboats and thermal baths.
- Tongariro Crossing district — Home to the Tongariro Crossing, considered one of the best one-day walks in the world.
Read the full Taupo guide