Taupō — a place that welcomes visitors, explorers, weekenders, and holidaymakers — has always carried that rare balance: energetic but unhurried, adventurous yet grounding. A place that somehow has something for everyone.
For me, this connection began long before Taupō became home. Every summer holiday was spent in the region with my family, settling into the rhythms of lake life. Those childhood seasons were filled with long and exciting days of exploring. Over time, that early affection grew into something more enduring, eventually bringing me back as a resident and now as part of the region’s tourism team – sharing the Taupō that I grew to love.
At the heart of the region sits Lake Taupō, the largest lake in New Zealand. The Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings remain one of the most iconic scenes for visitors, and I fondly remember marveling at their grandeur as a child. The difference now is the variety of ways to experience them – from scenic cruises with Chris Jolly Outdoors to eco-sailing adventures with Sail Barbary and Taupō Sailing Adventures.
On the quieter side, the walk to Whakamoenga Point leads to a beloved locals’ swim spot, also known as Flat Rocks. In summer, it’s a hidden gem for swimming and picnics. And out beyond the headland, the Western Bays reveal the true hidden side of the lake — waterfalls, secluded coves and the kind of quiet that makes time feel slower. Take a trip with Venture Beyond to explore these spots only accessible by boat.
More than 30 rivers and streams flow into the lake, with only one outlet, the Waikato River. Home to Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction, the river combines raw power with easy accessibility. Visitors can walk from town along the riverside trail, enjoying native bush, birdlife, and shaded swimming spots, before reaching the thundering falls. For a more immersive experience, Hukafalls Jet offers a thrilling adrenaline-charged adventure right into the spray, while Huka Falls River Cruise allows you to sit back and leisurely explore the beauty of the Huka Falls.
South of the lake, the Tongariro River adds a different kind of charm. While the river is internationally known among anglers, many Kiwis are surprised by how accessible and enchanting the wider area is. The Tongariro River Trail remains one of the region’s best-kept secrets, forming a loop that winds past rapids, swing bridges and peaceful river pools, ideal for walking or biking.
For those keen to see the river’s wilder side, rafting with Tongariro River Rafting offers a fresh vantage point with crystal water, playful rapids and guides who know its stories inside and out. It’s an experience that feels both remote and remarkably close to town.
Geothermal energy adds a layer of warmth, character and contrast to Taupō’s outdoor world. A short cruise across the Waikato River leads to Orakei Korako, one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary geothermal landscapes. Silica terraces, steam vents and vivid mineral colours create a dreamlike atmosphere that feels a world away from everyday life.
Evenings often end with a soak at Wairakei Terraces or DeBretts, where naturally heated and mineral-rich water offers the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.
Taupō remains a place of connection —between landscapes, experiences, and the generations who continue returning here each summer. For those who know it well, and for those discovering it for the first time, its waterways continue to define its stories, people and enduring pull.
We would like to thank author Victoria Jackson from Love Taupo for this contribution
