Taupo is a town located on Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, and has become a tourism hub for adventure activity and geothermal exploration. It is most commonly used as the place people stay when they want to hike one of the most popular day hikes of New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing. However, this is just a part of the activities Taupo has to offer. The town is located among some interesting geothermal formations on the North Island of New Zealand and has some beautiful celebrations of local Māori culture.
Day 1: Exploring Within Taupo
Taupo is located on a lake but more importantly, it is within the geothermal zone of Taupo Volcano, a large volcanic complex beneath this area. It is much more than just a mountain, and while it has not erupted in 1800 years, its continued activity is what makes this region so unique.
Lake Taupo + Māori Rock Carvings
The first of the activities Taupo has is to go on a boat cruise on Lake Taupo to explore the landscape, see different mountain peaks and go to the famous Ngātoroirangi Maori Carving that can only be seen by boat. Artistically, it is beautiful and was completed in 1980 by a local artist as a tribute to his grandfather and the local Maori community. Because the carving can only be seen from the water, there are a few local cruise companies that do scenic tours of the lake. For those who are looking for more adventure, you can also consider jet boat tours (although we recommend jet boating in Queenstown) that go by the site or kayak tours that will take you close to the carving.
We recommend using Chris Jolly Outdoors, who provide tours throughout the day to see the Maori rock carving and explore the landscape of the lake. They also have other local experiences as well including fly fishing (even in the back country via helicopter), rafting, and hiking, hunting, or biking tours.
Unique Activities Taupo Has: Thermal Explorations
If you want to experience some of the heat that comes from being above a thermal volcanic source, there are a few spots to check out within Taupo itself. Along the lakefront, head to Hot Water Beach. Here, as you dig into the sand, you will feel the hot water coming to the surface and it will get very hot very quickly. The water is coming up from underground here so unfortunately, the water in the lake is not as warm as the sand. However, it is a fun phenomenon to experience and a great place to hang out while keeping your feet warm as they are buried in the sand.
The Spa Thermal Park
You can also make your way to the Spa Thermal Park, a free reserve located just outside of Taupo’s center where you can walk to the Otumuheke Stream, a place where natural hot geothermal water mixes with the cold river water to create comfortable pools. You can leave your things on the built up boardwalk area along the river. They also provide restrooms and changing rooms if you are not in your bathing suit yet. The free geothermal spaces are part of the unique activities Taupo has to offer.
Taupo’s Lakefront Reserve
The Taupo Lakefront Reserve is a peaceful area along the lake and near the commercial center of the town. Here you can find the Love Taupo sign along with other sculptures and water features in the park that celebrate the local Māori culture and heritage. It is worth checking out Te Atea, artwork by a master carver with important Māori meaning. Down the street is arguably the coolest McDonald’s we’ve ever seen (it’s written on the sign in front of the McDonald’s so it must be true!), with a decommissioned plane integrated into the design of the store.
Check out the various hotels to stay in around the Taupo area.
Day 2: The Tongariro Crossing
For your second day in Taupo, you will want to get up early to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a hike that is one of the main activities Taupo has to offer. The start of the crossing itself is an hour away from Taupo, making it very convenient. For those who do not want to drive to the start of the trail, you can take a tour service from Taupo. The issue with this option is that you will be restricted on the amount of time that you have to do the crossing itself because the tour has specific departure times.
Parking and Shuttle Service for the Tongariro Crossing
However, driving your own car to complete the hike is a simple option that will allow you maximum flexibility and enjoyment of this challenging hike. The crossing is a one-way hike so there are shuttles that will take you to the start of the hike from the parking lot.
The most convenient way to park your car and get to the start of the hike is by using the official Tongariro Crossing Shuttles and we recommend the “Tongariro Alpine Crossing – One Way” shuttle, which is run by the National Park Shuttles because it will include parking along with the shuttle service. With this option, you will be able to park your car at the Ketetahi Park and Ride location, which is just half a mile from the Ketetahi end of the hike (so when you end the hike, you can go directly to your car!).
The Shuttles to the Hike
The shuttles depart a few times a day in the morning and you can arrive 30 minutes prior to your designated departure time. We recommend the first departure time so you can get on the trail before large crowds form and you can start your hike prior to the sun being high in the sky.
The best way to get around New Zealand, around Taupo, and to the Tongariro Crossing is by driving. You can look at renting a car here.
What You Need Prior to the Hike
- Reserve your shuttle service (includes parking at the Ketetahi Park and Ride)
- Register for the hike
- Download the hike on AllTrails so you can track your hike
The Blueprint Travelers Hiking Staples
The Tongariro Crossing Hike
The Tongariro Crossing takes about 7 hours and covers 13 miles (21 kilometers). It is a challenging hike that goes up and over an impressive volcanic landscape. The terrain is ever changing and keeps the entire walk interesting. However, bring the appropriate amount of water, food, sun protection, and layers to make sure that you are protected for the duration of the hike.
The end of the hike can feel quite long, winding through the forest, and you will have to walk an additional half a mile after the end of the trail to get to the carpark where you left your car. And if you are lucky, there will be a “Real Fruit Ice Cream” stand waiting for you, which is a popular dessert in New Zealand where frozen fruit is blended in ice cream in a soft-serve treat, often found in stands around the country. You can read more about the popular food and drinks of New Zealand here.
On your way back to Taupo, consider stopping at Hare & Copper Eatery for some contemporary food after the hike. You can also visit Two Mile Bay Sailing Club along the shoreline of Taupo lake for beautiful sunset drinks and food.
Day 3: Other Activities Taupo Has to Recover
After doing the Tongariro Crossing, you will need a well-deserved day of rest and recovery. Here are some of the most popular places to visit around Taupo including artisanal shops that are worth checking out to take in some of the local culture and industry.
You can start your day by visiting the Huka Falls near the Spa Thermal Park. If you didn’t go here on your first day, this is now your chance to check it out and get into some thermal water for free. Hookah Falls is a nice place to walk around and stretch your legs after that long hike.
The Aratiatia Rapids
Then, make your way to Aratiatia Rapids, a dam that gets regularly opened and floods the river below. For the Hobbit fans, the flooding was used to film the barrel escape scene where empty barrels were filmed going down the river after the dam opened up.
Huka Honey Hive
After, you can check out a few different artisanal shops. Huka Honey Hive is a local honey producer and they sell a variety of high quality honey from all over the country. You can sample different honeys to see how flower varieties in different regions change the flavor of the honey. You can also look into Lava Glass, a local glassblowing studio. They have a shop at the front of their facility where they sell different glassblown art and a small cafe within where you can enjoy the local artwork.
Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
Finally, make your way to the Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa, a private thermal hot pool and health spa. Their pools are filled directly from local geothermal water that are at varying temperatures to make sure that there is a pool for everyone. You can also reserve a massage here or grab a coffee at the local cafe. Of all the recovery activities Taupo has, this one could be the most relaxing.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave
For the second half of your day, head to Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave, one of the most unique activities Taupo has to offer. The self-guided experience starts with a boat ride across the river to the thermal park. Here, there are paths around the park that take you to different geothermal formations.
While there are boardwalks throughout the park that indicate the pathways around, it is up to you to stay on those boardwalks to avoid injury. This thermal park is one of the lesser-visited geothermal parks in the Taupo and Rotorua area so you will have the opportunity to see pools and geysers without many people around. It feels raw and untouched and is truly a beautiful marvel.
