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Before you go
Your trip to Taupō.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Taupō – Waikato Destination Taupō and Tongariro about 150 km from Hamilton
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Taupō (TUO) 8 km
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Parada de ônibus de Taupō (i-SITE) 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
From Auckland, about 280 km by car, in 3.5 hours, and from Rotorua, 80 km in 1 hour; there are regular buses. Taupō Airport (TUO), about 8 km from the town center, has domestic flights, mainly from Auckland and Wellington. Regular buses stop in town.
How many days
One day for Huka Falls, Aratiatia and Craters of the Moon, with a boat trip to the Mine Bay Carvings. As a base for Tongariro National Park, two or three days.
When to go
December to March for the lake, with warm, long days. The alpine crossing season, December to April, also fills the town. In winter it is cold and Taupō attracts people heading to ski on Ruapehu.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
It helps. The town center and lakeside promenade are walkable, and there is a trail to Huka Falls, but Aratiatia and Craters of the Moon are farther away. For the alpine crossing, people use van transport rather than a car.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Taupō
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Morning
Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon
Start with Huka Falls and then follow the boardwalk circuit at Craters of the Moon, with stronger steam in the morning.
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Afternoon
Aratiatia Rapids
Arrive at the Aratiatia rapids before a scheduled gate opening and watch the gorge fill.
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Late afternoon
Mine Bay Carvings
Take a boat or sailing trip from Taupō marina to the Mine Bay Carvings, with direct sun on the cliff.
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Evening
Lakefront
Dine in town near the lakeside promenade and walk along the lake shore.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Taupō?
See Huka Falls, the Aratiatia rapids and Craters of the Moon, take a boat trip to the Mine Bay Carvings and use the town as a base for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Is Taupō a good base for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
Yes. Vans leave Taupō very early for the start of the track and pick hikers up at the end of the day, in a little over an hour each way.
Can you swim in Lake Taupō?
Yes, at the lakeside beaches in summer. The water is cold and clean.
What is the distance between Rotorua and Taupō?
About 80 km, a one-hour drive.