Discover Taupo on Lake Taupō

Taupo lies at the northern end of Lake Taupō, which covers an area of 622 square kilometres. The lakeshore and the water are therefore important features for finding your way around. The Great Lake Pathway runs along the waterfront, offering views across the lake towards three prominent mountains in the surrounding area. There are also places with a geothermal character and routes through landscapes with different features.

Gardens and hot springs in Taupo

The Taupō Museum and its Ora Garden are located in the heart of Taupo. Native plants grow alongside steaming geothermal areas, characteristic of the central North Island. The garden thus brings together plant life and visible geothermal activity at a named location in the city. It complements the lakeside views with a different perspective on the region’s landscape.

Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs offers outdoor and indoor pools, two heated racing slides, an interactive warm-water play area for children, private pools, and spa treatments. Its facilities range from pools and slides to private pools and spa treatments. When planning your trip, this focus can be easily distinguished from the walking and cycling routes along the lakeshore.

The Great Lake Pathway and routes along the Waikato River

The Great Lake Pathway, also known as Lion's Walk, starts at Taupo Boat Harbour and follows the waterfront. From there, the path offers views across the lake towards Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngauruhoe. It is 12.7 kilometres long; the shared-use path is paved and graded as difficulty level 1. It is mostly flat, with only gentle slopes, and is suitable for relaxed walks and cycle rides along the lakeshore.

The Huka Falls Rotary Ride follows a different route: it runs from Taupō via Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam, along the Waikato River. This gives you two distinct landscapes to choose from: the lakeside promenade and its views on the Great Lake Pathway, or the river and the named destinations of Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam on the Huka Falls Rotary Ride.

Within the wider Taupo District destination

The Taupo District provides a broader geographical setting than the town of Taupo. In this context, Lake Taupō is described as Australasia’s largest freshwater lake. Tongariro National Park is also among the region’s highlights: it is one of New Zealand’s three World Heritage Sites. Its dual World Heritage status recognises significant Māori cultural and spiritual associations. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing lies within the national park’s dual World Heritage area.

Other landscape features in the Taupo District include Huka Falls. There, nearly a quarter of a million litres of water per second plunge 11 metres into the Waikato River through a natural gorge. Walking tracks run on both sides of the falls. Alongside the lake and the routes, this offers another way to explore the district, taking in its river landscape and cultural heritage.

You can start by deciding whether you are more interested in the town’s attractions or the wider landscape and cultural region.

Discover more destinations: Tokaanu, Kuratau, Waihaha, Oruanui, Wairakei, Mokai, Iwitahi and Mangakino.

Go to the broader travel overview: Taupo District.