Taupō
The heart of
New Zealand’s beautiful
North Island
It is located just 50 minutes’ drive south of Rotorua on the shores of Lake Taupo, the great inland sea of New Zealand. It is a place of extraordinary natural beauty – a vast, sparkling lake, trout-filled rivers, ancient forests, steaming geothermal zones and towering active volcanoes.
With some of the North Island’s most impressive landscapes right on its doorstep, the Taupō region is perfect for outdoor adventures – from fishing, kayaking and cruising on the lake to snow sports, hiking, cycling and adrenaline adventures.
The heart of New Zealand’s beautiful North Island
It is located just 50 minutes’ drive south of Rotorua on the shores of Lake Taupo, the great inland sea of New Zealand. It is a place of extraordinary natural beauty – a vast, sparkling lake, trout-filled rivers, ancient forests, steaming geothermal zones and towering active volcanoes.
With some of the North Island’s most impressive landscapes right on its doorstep, the Taupō region is perfect for outdoor adventures – from fishing, kayaking and cruising on the lake to snow sports, hiking, cycling and adrenaline adventures.
Experience Taupō
- Enjoy the thrill and exhilaration of the Huka Jet
- Take in the fabulous views from a scenic cruise on the lake
- Experience a Māori cultural performance and geothermal activity at the Wairakei Terraces
- Bathe in the Taupo Hot Springs
- Try white-water rafting past ancient beech forests
- View the local sights by helicopter
Here is a small selection of the accommodation available in the Taupō area, but we have many alternative Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs, Motels and Lodges to suit all tastes and budgets.
Acacia Cliffs Lodge, Taupo
This luxury boutique lodge has a contemporary New Zealand flair. Set in five-acres of landscaped gardens, it’s home to many unique native plants and birds, and has an uninterrupted panorama of Lake Taupō, Mt Tauhara and the Kaimanawa Ranges.
The four guest suites have Super King beds with luxurious linen, spacious en-suites with double basins, a walk-in shower, heated floors, bathrobes and slippers. You can enjoy speciality tea and coffee, TV, CD and DVD player, WiFi and a bottle of New Zealand wine with the compliments of your hosts plus a complimentary drink and canapés in the evening either outdoors on the deck or by the fireside on a cooler evening with your fellow guests.
Mapara Garden Suite
This lovely suite is designed to capture the afternoon sun in a tranquil garden setting. You can relax in your own private courtyard or enjoy a soak in the deluxe free-standing bath with views opening out to the garden.
Kaimanawa Suite
This suite faces east to bring the stunning lake and mountain views right into your room. Relax in the morning sun on the large and private deck with your coffee and a magazine.
Parawera Suite
This Suite has gorgeous lake views and golden sunrises for you to enjoy. Your own large, private deck is the perfect spot for a glass of wine and a good book.
Wharewaka Suite
Being east facing, this suite allows you to greet the morning sun and watch it climb and adorn the stunning lake and mountain views with its light. Enjoy your gourmet breakfast from your own large, private deck while you bask in the sun.
Huka Lodge, Taupō
Huka Lodge has earned its place as one of the country’s oldest and most celebrated luxury lodges, with an impressive, world-class heritage. Set in 17 acres of established gardens along the banks of the surging Waikato River near Lake Taupō, it has welcomed some of the world’s most influential guests to the region. The main lodge has an understated elegance, with outstanding cuisine showcasing New Zealand’s finest food and wine.
Twenty Junior Lodge guest suites and two exclusive multi-bedroom owners’ residences, the Alan Pye and Alex van Heeren Cottages, dot the 17-acre Huka Lodge parkland, each in its own private setting opening onto verdant views of the gardens and beyond to the distinctive deep turquoise waters of the Waikato River.
Junior Lodge Suite
Every detail required for your comfort has been carefully considered, from the finest monogrammed bed linen, and feather pillows, to the freshly baked biscuits. French doors open onto the wooden terrace with wonderful views of the Waikato River.
The bathrooms are spacious and light, and offer every indulgence, with decadent deep baths, soft towels, heated floors, and twin basins. Dressing rooms are generous in proportion, with room to truly make yourself at home during your stay.
The Reef Resort, Taupō
The Reef Resort offers luxurious self-contained accommodation on the edge of the lake, just a short distance from Taupō central with local restaurants, cafés and shops.
The pool area has a heated freshwater pool and naturally heated thermal-water spa pool. There are sun loungers, outdoor furniture, a guest barbecue and cruiser bikes all available for hire.
One Bedroom Lakeview
The large one-bedroom units are located on the first or second floor, with spectacular views over the lake to the mountain from the furnished balcony. The bedroom has a Queen size bed and there is a double sofa-bed in the lounge, kitchenette, table and chairs. All units have flat screen TVs with SKY TV and Freeview, thermal-heating and air-conditioning, bath robes, free off-street parking, complimentary unlimited WiFi, complimentary toiletries and One Fairtrade Coffee and Tea.
Some of the experiences available from Taupō are outlined below, but there are many, many more, so please ask for details of any other activity you would like to include during your stay.
The Ultimate Thermal Safari, Taupō
Enjoy a guided tour of Taupō Lookout, Huka Falls and Aratiatia Rapids before experiencing the Thermal Safari, the world’s only river jet tour that allows you to step off your jet boat and onto a fantastic geothermal wonderland.
Jet-boat down the Waikato River through the spectacular Tutukau Gorge where the canyon walls rise dramatically up to 50 metres above the water. See the stunning native bush, abundant birdlife, pine forests, steaming volcanic riverbanks and trout feeding areas on your way down to Orakei Korako, one of New Zealand’s most popular geothermal attractions. You have an hour at this magnificent thermal reserve where you will see boiling mud, geysers and silica terraces.
Duration: 6 hours.
Scenic Cruise to the Māori Carvings, Taupō
Sit back and enjoy the picturesque northern bays of Lake Taupō and Māori Rock Carvings on a large, comfortable covered catamaran. A full commentary is given on the volcanic history and Māori mythology surrounding Lake Taupō and an informative DVD is shown. Take in the views of the spectacular snow-capped mountain peaks of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park.
Duration: 1.5 hours.
Guided Fly Fishing in Local Rivers, Taupō
Taupō provides some of the most spectacular fly-fishing in the world. Join an Orvis endorsed fly-fishing guide on a trout fishing experience you will never forget. From a half or full day fishing crystal waters to heli-fishing or raft-fishing in the back country of the Central Plateau, we can organise the perfect trout-fishing trip for you.
Duration: Half or Full day.
Huka Falls Jet, Taupo
The Huka Jet gives you fun and thrills as you travel to the very base of the incredible Huka Falls, past the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station, Prawn Farm and Aratiatia Dam. Operating within a river environment lined with native bush and natural hot springs you will experience the exhilaration of speeding along the Waikato River, close to cliffs and trees then hanging on tight for the famous Huka Jet 360-degree spins. This is a thrilling ride that you won’t ever forget!
Duration: 30 Minutes
Tandem Skydive – 12,000 or 15,000 feet, Taupō
You are sure to be a bit nervous when you arrive at the drop zone, after all you are about to jump out of a plane! The friendly staff will explain everything you need to know before your skydive and provide you with a jumpsuit, harness, and one of the experienced tandem masters.
After getting geared up and meeting your tandem master, it is time to board the plane. The journey begins with a scenic flight above the central plateau, taking in views of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest lake. Your excitement climbs with the altitude. Exiting the plane at 12,00 or 15,000 feet, you experience the exhilaration of free falling at 200 kilometres per hour!
Catch your breath as you enjoy a spectacular parachute ride back to Earth. The beauty of tandem skydiving is that you don’t have to worry about a thing. You are in the capable hands of your tandem master who will ensure your safety as you enjoy the ride.
Duration: 3 hours.
Wairakei Terraces Walkway – self-guided tour, Taupō
This self-guided terrace walk provides a window into the unique geothermal wonderland of this region. You will hear native birdsong and see intricate carvings which connect you to the Māori world and the local Ngati Tuwharetoa tribe. See the first ever man-made silica terraces reminiscent of the original pink and white versions of Tarawera, and the man-made geyser which is fed from superheated fluids that come from underground depths of over 1.5 kilometres.
The Wairakei Terraces are the crowning jewel in the mystical landscape and are tribute to the natural terraces and geysers that once existed at Wairakei prior to the regions geothermal power development.
Duration: 1.5 hours.
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