Taupo is one in all my favorite spots on New Zealand’s North Island.
I’m lucky to have visited this bustling lakeside city thrice now and every time, I’ve come away promising to return. There’s simply one thing about New Zealand’s lakes that feels so therapeutic for me.
Just lately, I made a decision to go to after finishing the Lake Waikaremoana Nice Stroll (there’s one other lake!), and Taupo supplied the right place to recuperate, unwind, and begin getting again to actuality.
I liked it a lot, actually, that I returned 4 months later to spend one other couple of days hanging out beside the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo.
What I Love About Taupo
So what do you want to learn about Taupo?
Nicely, I casually talked about above that Taupo is a lakeside city, however that’s sort of underselling Lake Taupo to you, as a result of this physique of water — the most important lake in New Zealand — is identical dimension as Singapore. It blew my thoughts after I discovered simply how huge it’s, and I all of the sudden understood why all people refers to it as the inland sea of New Zealand. On a windy day, when visibility is low, you’d be forgiven for pondering you had been standing on a shoreline, looking to sea.
In actuality, Lake Taupo is the crater of an unlimited supervolcano, fashioned after some of the violent eruptions of the previous 5,000 years. After blowing all that it had into the ambiance, the volcano promptly died out and the extinct crater crammed itself with water. Lately, the lake is fed from a continuing stream of water from the close by snow-capped mountains.
And whereas Lake Taupo is now way more sedate than it was prior to now, proof of the realm’s geothermal exercise surrounds the city. You’ve obtained geysers, sizzling springs, and funky colors scattered throughout the panorama, and as you stand beside the waterfront, you’ll be unable to take your eyes off the trio of volcanoes within the distance.
Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu are all seen from Taupo, they usually make for notably spectacular views throughout the lake. And talking of Mount Tongariro — you’ll be able to’t overlook the Tongariro Crossing, which has been heralded as New Zealand’s finest one-day hike. After having accomplished it manner again in 2013, I can’t disagree with the evaluation.
If there’s one factor Taupo is most well-known for, nevertheless, it’s its journey actions. Whether or not it’s jet boating, bungy leaping, parasailing, or skydiving, there’s one thing for all adrenaline lovers, and vacationers arrive on the town each day, trying to find their subsequent repair.
If, like me, you are likely to hit the skip button in relation to journey journey, you’ve nonetheless obtained the small-town vibe of Taupo to take in, plus the handfuls of lovely nature trails and the lake to sit down beside with fish and chips in hand. Considered one of my favorite actions in Taupo is strolling out to the magnificent Huka Falls and marvelling on the sheer energy this pure phenomenon generates.
On this put up, I’m going to be sharing all of my favorite issues to do in in Taupo.
(A observe for my many American readers: costs on this put up are listed in New Zealand {Dollars} — on the time of writing, 100 NZD is round 70 USD.)
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Stroll Out to Huka Falls
I can’t write about Taupo with out mentioning Huka Falls.
This highly effective waterfall is the most visited pure attraction within the entirety of New Zealand, and for good purpose: it’s severely spectacular! What it lacks in top, standing at simply 11 metres tall, it makes up for in energy, as a whopping 220,000 litres of water barrels over it every second. If you happen to, like me, battle to conceptualise that quantity of water, let me let you know that it’s sufficient to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in simply 11 seconds.
The very best solution to expertise the falls is from the bridge crossing over them, together with the various close by viewpoints scattered alongside the water’s edge. And whilst you can drive out to the falls, I like to recommend strolling as a substitute.
It takes an hour to finish the trek from Spa Park to the falls, alongside the Huka Falls Path, and it’s such a beautiful path, weaving alongside the native forest, and I liked listening to the roar of the water getting louder with every step. If you happen to solely have time to do one factor in Taupo, this needs to be it.
Jet Boating All of the Method to Huka Falls
Now.
If you happen to’re one of many longest of long-time readers of By no means Ending Footsteps, chances are you’ll recall my fraught relationship with jet boats. Again in 2013, I made a decision to leap aboard the Huka Falls Jet with out a lot of an inclination of what jet boats even had been. The outcome? Nicely, I revealed a photograph essay of the ensuing trauma for all to see and giggle at.
However I’ve come a good distance from that dramatic lady, and as of late, I completely adore jet boats. Significantly — they’re a lot enjoyable! And the Huka Falls Jet? It’s the nation’s finest.
Whereas on board, you’ll race by means of a picturesque gorge, coming inside inches of sheer rock face, and simply as you regain your composure, leap straight right into a 360-degree spin, earlier than getting proper up near the waterfall itself, witnessing its energy from metres away.
It’s an action-packed journey, and also you’ll be speaking about it for days afterwards.
Skydiving within the Greatest Place to Do So
If you consider journey to New Zealand, you’re most certainly fantasising about epic landscapes and adrenaline-fuelled actions. In Taupo, you’ll be able to mix each of those iconic attributes and leap out of a aircraft within the nation’s most skydived location. Sure, 30,000 folks skydive in Taupo annually and for good purpose.
You’ve obtained pristine Lake Taupo, snow-capped volcanoes, and coast-to-coast views of the attractive North Island, all thrown in collectively to make for a very adventurous leap. There’s a purpose why Taupo is named the skydiving capital of the world.
And if you happen to’re a Lord of the Rings fan, know that close by Mt Ngauruhoe is Mount Doom from the films! There’s nothing extra badass than leaping from a aircraft over that volcano.
A 12,000 ft leap, with 40 seconds of freefall, is available in at slightly below 300 NZD. An 18,000 ft leap with a whopping 75 seconds of freefall? That’s priced at $499.
Take a Scenic Flight Over the Volcanoes
If skydiving isn’t your factor, you’ll be able to nonetheless rise up shut and private with the volcanoes from the air — by taking a scenic flight over them.
You’ve obtained a few choices right here, with each helicopter and float planes up for grabs and also you’ll be capable to select which space to see earlier than you fly.
Go take a look at Huka Falls from above, soar over the trio of snow-capped volcanoes to take a look at Mount Ruapehu’s volcanic lake — pictured above — or head out over the rainbow-coloured geothermal landscapes to see them from a unique approach. Hell, you’ll be able to even join a scenic flight over White Island — New Zealand’s notorious lively volcano that erupted in 2019, killing 22 guests — if you happen to’re feeling notably daring.
E book your floatplane expertise with Taupo Floatplane (costs ranging from $109) or your helicopter journey with Inflite Experiences (costs from $195).
Examine Out the McDonald’s in a Airplane
Talking of planes, Taupo is the one place on this planet the place you’ll be able to eat a McDonald’s inside a aircraft with out attracting a hearty dose of side-eye from the folks round you.
The decommissioned DC-3 plane has been on website for 30 years now, having been bought by McDonald’s manner again in 1990. Seating 20 diners, it nonetheless has the unique cockpit within the aircraft, and it makes for a very attention-grabbing place to eat your Massive Mac.
Let’s face it: none of us go on vacation to eat McDonald’s, but when you end up with a craving, this can be a distinctive place on the town to fulfill it.
The Highest Water-Contact Bungy Soar
Taupo is all in regards to the journey actions, so that you shouldn’t be shocked to be taught it’s residence to New Zealand’s highest water-touch bungy leap. Not solely that, it’s additionally New Zealand’s solely clifftop bungee leap!
Positioned above the pristine Waikato River, you’ll pay world-famous bungy-jumping firm AJ Hackett simply $120 to bounce down into these refreshing waters. You may leap alone or with a buddy, and you can too select if you wish to be dunked within the river or stay dry. However the place’s the enjoyable within the latter?
If bungy leaping isn’t your factor, AJ Hackett additionally operates a large swing in the identical location. Hooked up to a rope that’s virtually 50 metres lengthy, you’ll leap from that clifftop and end up reaching speeds of as much as 70km/h as you swing backwards and forwards over the turquoise river. Badass.
Examine Out the Maori Carvings at Mine Bay
Now, that is notably superior!
Out on Lake Taupo, there’s a spot referred to as Mine Bay, and in that bay, you’ll discover a modern Maori rock carving, 14 metres excessive, etched into the rock. I observe that they’re comparatively current, versus historical, as lots of people find yourself upset once they uncover they had been accomplished in 1980. Nonetheless, I believe they’re fairly rattling cool-looking.
Mine Bay is simply accessible by water, so your three choices for seeing them are by cruise ($35), yacht ($49), or by kayak ($115). The latter will permit you to get a lot nearer, in order that’s what I like to recommend. However whichever vessel you select, the carvings are severely spectacular and well-worth heading out to.
Hike Mount Tauhara
If you happen to’re seeking to keep lively whilst you’re in Taupo, there are such a lot of nature trails and hikes to set out on.
Considered one of my favourites, although, is the hike to the highest of Mount Tauhara. Now an extinct volcano, its dome form offers a killer exercise — in a great way — and the views from the highest, wanting over the countryside are stunning. The trail is usually a little sketchy at time, with tree roots and rocks to stumble over, however it’s nothing too difficult.
The path is 2.5 kilometres in size — a technique — and climbs round 500 metres in elevation. It takes two or three hours to sort out the return journey, relying on how match you’re — simply head to Mount Tauhara automobile park to start out your stroll.
Fish and Chips By the Lake
Considered one of my favorite night actions in Taupo is wandering over to a fish and chip store, grabbing a takeaway, and consuming it sitting on a patch of sunny grass, looking throughout the lake.
Tasty Fish and Chips is my go-to place, because it’s proper beside the water.
Parasail on the Lake
Whilst you’re having your fish and chips, you’ll undoubtedly discover the variety of folks taking to the sky. Parasailing is big in Taupo, and it’s uncommon to see the water with out any individual hovering excessive above its waters.
If you’re 1,000 toes up over the lake, you’ll achieve a brand new perspective of Taupo city whereas concurrently with the ability to look all the best way to these volcanoes that I preserve banging on about.
Massive Sky Parasail prices $95 per individual for a tandem flight. They’ll additionally throw in an freefall — don’t fear, it’s non-obligatory. From their web site:
We now have perfected the Parasail Freefall, which is the artwork of stopping the boat and letting you parachute 40 tales right down to the water. Earlier than you make contact, nevertheless, we’ll begin the engine and also you’ll be whisked again up into the sky. We prefer to name it Taupo’s quickest elevator! It’s not as scary because it sounds; it’s extra of a sluggish, surrealistic feeling. When requested, everybody says that is the most effective a part of their flight.
Do with that info what you’ll.
Aratiatia Dam Water Launch
If you happen to’re on a decent funds and searching for some free actions to fill your time in Taupo, look no additional that the Aratiatia Dam launch. This works notably nicely with the stroll from Spa Park to Huka Falls — if you happen to proceed down the identical path, you’ll find yourself on the Aratiatia Rapids.
Water is launched by means of this dam a number of instances a day. In summer season, it’s at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., whereas in winter, it’s at 10, 12, and a couple of.
It takes round two hours to succeed in the dam from Spa Park — not together with time for taking photographs — so I’d purpose to go away Spa Park round three hours earlier than the water launch. At 11 a.m. for the two p.m. launch, for instance.
If 4 hours of strolling feels like your concept of hell, no worries. You may drive to the dam, as a substitute.
So what’s so particular about it?
When the gates to the dam open, you’ll be capable to watch in awe as a peaceful, slender stream instantly transforms into turbulent rapids, with water gushing previous at 80,000 litres per second. Fifteen minutes later, the spill gates are closed and the tranquil stream returns. It’s fairly wild to get to witness the facility of nature like that.
There’s a number of nice viewpoints for watching the water launch — most individuals choose to face on the bridge beside the dam, however I like to recommend venturing alongside the quick strolling path to achieve a greater vantage level.
If you happen to haven’t but had sufficient journey in Taupo, I like to recommend leaping on the Rapids Jet to really feel the energy of the Aratiatia Rapids up shut. When the dam gates open, you’ll be proper in the midst of the motion, on the river, powering by means of the surges and absolutely experiencing the forces of the water.
And at last, if you happen to’re a fan of all issues Tolkien, a number of the scenes from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug had been filmed proper right here within the rapids — specifically, the scene when escaping dwarves hid out in barrels which had been then thrown downstream.
Hit the Cycle Trails
Taupo is a good place to get your biking on, with dozens upon dozens of trails which can be ready to be explored. Even higher: it’s an exercise you’ll be able to partake in year-round, because the free-draining pumice soil stays dry, even in the midst of winter.
I like to recommend Craters Mountain Bike Park, which is residence to 55 kilometres of trails, all winding by means of a pine plantation and providing up a mixture of newbie routes and hardcore choices.
There are many in a single day choices, too — from the 71 km Nice Lake Path, which encompasses the western shores of Lake Taupo, to the 85 km Timber Path, which follows the trail of previous logging roads, interspersed with a collection of exhilerating suspension bridges.
You may even sort out the path that leads from Spa Park to Aratiatia Dam by way of Huka Falls with ease — we met tons of cyclists on our stroll out to the falls.
Get Your Trout On
Let’s face it: I’m removed from a fishing fanatic, and but I can’t write about Taupo with out mentioning the truth that the rivers surrounding Lake Taupo make this space the trout fishing capital of the world.
Sure, actually.
Folks journey from throughout to attempt their hand at fly fishing in one of many space’s six rivers. Hottest is the Tongariro River, the place you’ll be able to try and catch rainbow trout and brown trout — there’s detailed info on NZ Fishing, if you happen to’re . You may even journey into the backcountry for a fishing-themed journey, hitting up a number of the rivers which can be solely accessible by helicopter.
If you happen to’re travelling with youngsters, take them over to the Tongariro Nationwide Trout Centre, the place there’s a youngsters’s fishing pond stuffed with trout for them to attempt catching. Our nephew completely liked making an attempt his hand at this and he nonetheless can’t cease speaking in regards to the time he caught a fish and ate it for dinner that evening! The trout centre will fortunately fillet and smoke your child’s catch of the day, able to eat, with the choice of turning it right into a sandwich with freshly-baked ciabatta. So enjoyable!
Discover the Geothermal Exercise
If, like me, you like your geothermal wonders, you’ll have a lot to maintain you busy whilst you’re in Taupo.
The highly-active Orakei Korako was described by Lonely Planet as “arguably the most effective geothermal space left in New Zealand”, and I liked wandering round its mud swimming pools, sizzling springs, 35 geysers, and vibrant silica terraces. To get there, you’ll take a ferry throughout Lake Ohakuri, then stroll alongside the boardwalks crossing over the thermal landscapes. One of many coolest elements of the realm is Ruatapu Cave, one in all solely two caves on this planet identified to exist in a geothermal area — contained in the cave, you’ll discover a vertical drop of 25 metres, to a shallow pool of clear, heat acid water, often known as the Pool of Mirrors. Entrance is barely cheaper at $40 per individual by means of Viator.
You’ve additionally obtained the Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Well being Spa, the waters of which have been utilized by Maori for his or her therapeutic properties for a whole bunch of years. Lately, I like to recommend spending half a day dipping out and in of three mineral-rich sizzling swimming pools, then wander over to the silica terraces for a Pamukkale-esque expertise.
And you may’t overlook Craters of the Moon! It’s an epic walkway by means of barren, moon-like landscapes, with effervescent mud swimming pools, steaming craters, and vibrant soil.
If it was right down to me and I might solely go to at least one place for geothermal exercise in Taupo, I like to recommend Orakei Korako. It’s extra spectacular than Craters of the Moon, in my view. Whereas Orakei Korako is costlier, you do get extra in your cash general.
The Greatest Day Journeys From Taupo
Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Heralded as New Zealand’s biggest one-day stroll, the Tongariro Crossing is a very outstanding hike. I imply, simply take a look at that other-worldly surroundings! More often than not, I felt as if I used to be strolling on the moon as I skirted previous lively volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, and glistening emerald lakes.
It’s a troublesome trek, coming in at 20 kilometres, or 12 miles, and climbing as much as virtually 2,000 metres in altitude, so it’ll take the whole lot of a day to finish. Allocate between seven and 9 hours, relying in your health skills.
It’s straightforward to sort out from Taupo, even if you happen to don’t have your personal transport, as there are a number of corporations who function return shuttle transport from city ($35).
And That Was Taupo!
I like Taupo and consider it’s well-worth including to your North Island itinerary. You’ve obtained the peaceable lake, the epic volcanoes, the geothermal exercise, and loads of adrenaline actions. What’s to not love?
I can’t wait to return.
