Things to do in Taupo
A Travel Guide by RaD Car Hire
At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time here in New Zealand. Whether you’re a local exploring a new area or you’re visiting from overseas, who wouldn’t benefit from a little insider information, right?
With branches in 22 locations around New Zealand, our team of staff are all passionate about their own “home” towns. Whether they’re born and bred or new to the area, our team are your local guides when it comes to exploring new destinations throughout the country. We also like to lean on our wonderful customers to find out what they have loved about New Zealand so we can add their top tips to all our travel guides.
In this guide, we are going to take a trip to the popular North Island town of Taupo. Located around three and a half hours south of Auckland, Taupo is a popular stop-off point for people exploring the North Island with lots of things to see and do in the area. Taupo is also the gateway to the Tongariro National Park - home to one of New Zealand's most iconic one-day walks, as well as being famous for being the home of Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings.
Taupo is located on the shores of New Zealand’s biggest lake, making it a great place for water sports and for anyone who has done a skydive in Taupo, you will know just how amazing the views are as you glide back down to earth. This guide will give you some great tips on things to do, places to eat and where to stay so you can plan your perfect Taupo getaway.
As one of New Zealand’s best-known car rental companies, we’ve got some great deals available on car hire in Taupo, so make sure you check out our latest deals and great prices. Our Taupo branch is conveniently located in the Taupo Airport terminal, making it quick and easy to get you on the road as soon as you land. The airport is located just a short way out of town so it’s an easy pick up if you are already located in Taupo.
Taupo Activities
In this series of destination guides, we are focusing on giving you the insider tips rather than the headliners. Sure, we will definitely name-drop some of the big attractions in town like skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating and the world-famous Tongariro Crossing, but we also wanted to give you some tips from our super-friendly team down in Taupo so you can live like a local when you visit Taupo.
Here are five of the lesser-known activities to get stuck into on your visit to Taupo:
Aratiatia Dam Release
Whilst the Huka Falls (rightly) gets all the headlines when it comes to Taupo flowing water activities, this is one that not as many people know about but is just as amazing. Witness the spectacular release of water from the Aratiatia Dam, transforming a peaceful gully into raging rapids. The dam opens multiple times a day, depending on the season. The dam is located approximately 16 km from Taupo town centre on the Waikato River and is free to view from designated areas.
Safety Note: Always follow safety warnings and view from designated areas to avoid danger.
Wairakei Terraces Hot Soak at Night
If you want to enjoy a geothermal activity in Taupo, then the Wairakei Terraces is a great place to experience natural silica pools. The night experience takes things to the next level as you enjoy the relaxing mineral pools under the stars. If you want to “upgrade” your experience, add on one of the packages that includes a unique cultural evening with a traditional Māori welcome (pōwhiri), followed by a guided tour, hangi feast, and performances of traditional dance and music. Wairakei Terraces are located just north of Lake Taupo, accessible via the Thermal Explorer Highway.
Spa Park, Otumuheke Stream and Walk
Located in the heart of Taupō, Spa Park features a naturally warm stream where you can relax in geothermal pools formed along Otumuheke Stream. The area offers easy walking paths through native bush, picnic spots, and a family-friendly environment. It’s an ideal place to enjoy Taupō’s geothermal wonders in a natural setting close to town.
Graffiato Street Art Trail
OK, so this one is a little bit out there but it definitely hits home with locals and visitors alike. The Graffiato Street Art Trail is a great way to discover vibrant street art throughout Taupo's township. This trail is perfect for those who enjoy art and exploring local culture. New pieces are added annually during the Graffiato Street Art Festival so even if you have been to Taupo before, you will discover something new on every visit.
Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
Located on the outskirts of Taupo, visit these beautiful gardens, which offer a peaceful escape with a variety of plant species. It's a hidden gem for nature lovers and those seeking a serene atmosphere. Sometimes you just need a little time out during a hectic day. Maybe you’ve jumped out of a plane that morning or been on an exhilarating jet boat ride – we get it, you need a time out. The Waipahihi Botanical Gardens are the perfect spot to get away from it all for a couple of hours and unwind.
Taupo Places to Eat
We don’t know about you, but finding the perfect place to eat out can be one of the most stressful parts of being on the road. You’re never quite sure what you fancy and if you’re in a group, it’s a nightmare as everyone seems to want different things! Thankfully, we got the team in Taupo to pull together a list of their top five recommendations for places to eat in Taupo to suit all budgets and with a mix of cuisines to suit groups large and small.
Here are five of our favourite places to eat out in Taupo:
Incredible India Restaurant and Bar
· Cuisine: Indian
· Budget: Mid-Range ($$)
· Features: The reviews for this place are off the chain, scoring a whopping 4.8/5.0 on Google with over 1,000 reviews! Incredible India offers a wide range of Indian dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options. Known for its cosy atmosphere and great service. The place is also not shy with their portion sizes, so if you are feeling pretty hungry, this is the place for you. It’s also ideal if you have a mixed group of veggies, vegans and meat eaters as they really do cater for everyone.
Roquette Restaurant and Bar
· Cuisine: Contemporary New Zealand
· Budget: Mid-range to Upper Mid-range ($$$)
· Features: A definite favourite with the locals, this place is a special occasion destination or if you fancy a bit of a splurge. Highly rated for its excellent cuisine and trendy atmosphere, popular dishes with our team and in the reviews include their steak and lamb dishes, which are to die for. Roquette also offers small plates and great cocktails, so it really ticks a lot of boxes. The raspberry mojito is apparently a good choice.
The Bistro
· Cuisine: European-style with global mains
· Budget: Upper-range ($$$)
· Features: The Bistro and Roquette are great choices if you are looking for something a bit more upmarket in Taupo, and The Bistro is a firm favourite with the team. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and family nights, The Bistro’s European-style menu has all the favourites, including roast pork belly, scotch fillet and some beautiful fish dishes. The menu also caters relatively well for vegetarians. It’s got a great atmosphere, which is always helped by some soft jazz music in the background.
Vine Eatery & Bar
· Cuisine: Contemporary New Zealand
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: This was a recent customer review, although Vine is well known to locals as well. Located just a street or two back from the lakefront, Vine has a lovely atmosphere with booths available for a bit more privacy but also catering to larger groups. Offers a casual yet upscale dining experience with a fireplace and great cocktails. It can get pretty busy during peak season as it’s a go-to for many tourists in town so bookings are recommended.
Vietnamese Joint
· Cuisine: Vietnamese Street Food
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($)
· Features: If you are looking for a cheap eat in Taupo, then Vietnamese Joint is the place for you. This place serves proper authentic Vietnamese street food, offering a flavourful and affordable dining option for travellers on a budget. There are so many great dishes to choose from and like all Vietnamese restaurants, they cater really well for vegans and vegetarians as well as meat eaters. If you want great food without the price tag, give this place a try.
Taupo Accommodation
As you might expect from a tourist hot spot, Taupo is not short on accommodation options, with a host of motels lining the waterfront. There are lots of great options in town, including Airbnbs and hotels, so Taupo caters to all budgets. It’s also a popular spot with backpackers, so there are lots of hostels available too, with options for private and shared accommodation.
Here are five great choices for places to stay in Taupo for all budgets:
Hilton Lake Taupo
· Location: 80-100 Napier Road, Taupō 3330, New Zealand
· Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
· Features: Let’s start at the top of the scale with the Hilton Hotel in Taupo. This iconic hotel offers upscale accommodations with lake views, a fitness centre, and a heated pool. It provides a luxurious experience with modern amenities and is close to the town centre. Located at the far end of town, if you have driven down from Auckland, the Hilton looks spectacular and delivers on everything you would expect from an upmarket hotel.
Gables Lakefront Motel
· Location: 130 Lake Terrace, Taupō 3330, New Zealand
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: One of many lakefront motels in Taupo, the Gables regularly tops the charts when it comes to review scores and is a firm favourite with travellers. The Gables features modern apartments with some offering hot tubs and lake views. It includes a garden and free parking, making it a comfortable choice for those seeking a scenic stay. The town centre and restaurants are just a short walk away on the beautiful lakefront, so it really does tick all the boxes.
Bella Vista Motel Taupo
· Location: 145 Te Heuheu Street, Taupō 3330, New Zealand
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($)
· Features: You will find Bella Vista Motels dotted all around the country, and they offer a sense of consistency for those looking for budget-friendly accommodation. In Taupo, the Bella Vista offers straightforward accommodations with kitchenettes, a guest laundry, and a BBQ area. It is centrally located and provides good value for budget-conscious travellers.
Haka House Taupo
· Location: 56 Kaimanawa Street, Taupō 3330, New Zealand
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($)
· Features: Another budget-friendly option in Taupo is Haka House. Again, this is a chain of hostels that you will find in locations throughout the country so if you are travelling on a budget, you will likely have come across them before. In Taupo, Haka House is a casual hostel with dorms and private rooms, a shared kitchen, hot tub, and lake views. It's LGBTQ+ friendly and ideal for social travellers on a tight budget.
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
· Location: 76 Napier-Taupo Road, Taupō 3330, New Zealand
· Budget: Mid-range to Budget-friendly ($-$$)
· Features: Located close to the Hilton, Taupo DeBretts is a popular spot for travellers looking for a little extra from their stay. The hotel offers a variety of accommodations from basic units to self-contained apartments. It includes access to a thermal pool park with hydro slides (for an additional fee), making it a great option for families and travellers seeking relaxation. This 5-star resort is a great option for those seeking a bit more luxury in Taupo.
Taupo Sights
Rounding out our guide to Taupo is a list of five of our favourite sights. These are not “things to do” but sights to see in and around the town and surrounding area. Some of these provide a good opportunity to give your RaD rental car a run out to explore some of these sights.
With plenty of sights to choose from, our team have come up with a list of the top sights to see in and around Taupo:
Huka Falls
We’ve already touched on the Huka Falls, but we felt it would be remiss of us to leave them out of this guide. The Huka Falls are a set of waterfalls on the Waikato River, known for their stunning blue colour and high flow rate. Visitors can enjoy a short walk to the lookout points for spectacular views. The falls are very accessible and free to view, with a short walking path to a viewing platform.
Craters of the Moon
If you don’t get the opportunity to visit the geothermal wonders in Rotorua, then Taupo is a great option. The Craters of the Moon is a geothermal area featuring bubbling craters, steam vents, and colourful soils. The site offers a 45-minute walk through a surreal landscape with well-maintained boardwalks. If you haven’t seen any geothermal attractions before, this is pretty spectacular and lives up to its name, with a moon-like surface pocked with bubbling craters.
Mt Ruapehu
For many visitors to Taupo, the mountains located in the Tongariro National Park provide a stunning backdrop to many activities, however, we would definitely recommend a trip out to the National Park to see the mountains up close. Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano and the highest peak on the North Island, offering skiing in winter and hiking opportunities in summer. It's part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also check out Mt Ngauruhoe which was used as Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Emerald Lakes
Known for their vibrant green colour, these lakes are one of the highlights of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike. The area offers stunning volcanic landscapes and unique geological formations. If you have the time, we recommend taking on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It takes around 7-8 hours, depending on your fitness level, but it will give you access to some amazing landscapes on what is widely regarded as New Zealand’s best one-day walk.
Whakapapa Village
If you are looking to give your RaD car a run out, then make a beeline for Whakapapa, a charming ski resort village at the foot of Mt Ruapehu, offering accommodations, dining options, and access to ski fields in winter. In summer, it serves as a base for hiking and exploring the national park. It’s a fascinating place and a great day trip from Taupo.
Bonus
Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings
Accessible only by boat or kayak, these towering 14-metre carvings on Lake Taupō are considered one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary contemporary Māori artworks. Created between 1976 and 1980 by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and his team, the main carving honours Ngātoroirangi, a revered Māori navigator and ancestor. The site features additional carvings of ancestors and guardians, all set against the dramatic volcanic cliffs of Mine Bay. Visiting the carvings offers a unique cultural and scenic experience, blending artistry, heritage, and the natural beauty of Lake Taupō.
Renting a Car in Taupo
If you’re looking to rent a car in Taupo, look no further than RaD Car Hire. With super competitive prices, a great selection of cars from compact to 4x4, and a promise of great customer service, then RaD is a great choice for all travellers.
For those already located in Taupo looking for a rental car to take them on an exciting adventure somewhere on the North Island, make sure you check out our cheap car rental deals from our Taupo branch.