The main centre of the Central North Island is Taupō, a lakeside resort offering an excellent range of accommodation, dining and activities. Lake Taupō is the focal point for the town. From swimming to boating and fishing, it offers a wealth of outdoor recreation options. The small town of Turangi on the southern shores of Lake Taupō is the hub of trout fishing in the region.
Do & Discover
The majestic Lake Taupō plays host to activities as varied as fishing, cruising, paddling, flight-seeing and water sports. Away from the great lake, there’s a variety of attractions that range from a relaxing round of golf to the thrill of one of the country’s top skydiving operations. Get out on the waters of Australasia's largest lake with Canoe & Kayak, Chris Jolly Outdoors, Flyfish Taupō and Taupō Rod & Tackle, or get a bird's-eye view with Taupō’s Floatplane. For action and adventure, try Formula Challenge, Hukafalls Jet, or take the plunge with Skydive Taupō, Freefall Skydive, or Taupō Tandem Skydiving. For a more relaxed experience, unwind at Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs or the AC Baths, play a round at Wairakei International Golf Course, discover the story of the lake at the Taupō Museum, explore geothermal activity in the area at Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park, the Volcanic Activity Centre, or visit unique attractions at the Huka Honey Hive or the Huka Prawn Park.
Food & Drink
The busy town of Taupō offers some great spots to grab a coffee as well as some sophisticated dining options, and there are also some culinary gems waiting for you elsewhere around the region. Head to Licorice Café in Turangi or Taupō's justifiably popular Replete Food Company for great coffee or cabinet food. For dining in Taupō, try Edgewater Restaurant, Lotus Thai, The Brantry, Pimentos Restaurant, or contemporary Kiwi chic at Plateau Restaurant & Bar.
Accommodation
Taupō draws plenty of travellers to its natural wonders and central location and, accordingly, there’s plenty of good accommodation offerings that range from high-end resorts to decent basic lodgings. Stay on-budget at Tiki Lodge or Lake Taupō Top 10 Holiday Resort, house the clan at Bella Vista Motel Taupō, Quest Taupō, or Camellia Court Motel, or go upmarket with Bayview Wairakei Resort, Huka Falls Resort, or Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuels Taupō.
Local Knowledge
Taupō Airport is 10 minutes from town and offers domestic flights to Auckland and Wellington. Numerous scenic flights, fishing safaris and skydive flights also operate out of Taupō Airport. Taupō is located on State Highway 1, midway between Auckland and Wellington. It is four hours by road from Auckland and five hours from Wellington. The drive around the eastern side of the lake from Taupō to Turangi takes about 40 minutes. Coach and shuttle services operate to popular visitor activities. Find out more at the Taupō i–SITE, 30 Tongariro Street.