5 Reasons to Stay in Taupo

Are you wondering why you should come and stay in Taupo? Taupo is one of New Zealand’s best-loved holiday destinations, and offers such a huge range of attractions and activities that there’s something to attract everyone. Here are our top 5 reasons to stay in Taupo:

1. Lake Taupo

   

   Boating on Lake Taupo. Photo Credit: Destination Great Lake Taupo

   This beautiful lake is New Zealand’s largest lake by surface area and the second largest freshwater lake by surface area in all of geopolitical Oceania. The waters of Lake Taupo are crystal clear and reflect the surrounding mountains to make that perfect, dream image. You can canoe or kayak out to the iconic Maori Rock Carvings, take a scenic boat cruise, fish for trout, go jet boating or white water rafting or go cable wakeboarding. If free lake activities are more your thing, then wander the shores of the lake and feed the ducks, or throw on your togs and go swimming.

2. Geothermal Attractions and Thermal Hot Pools

   

   Orakei Korako geothermal attraction. Photo credit: Destination Great Lake Taupo

   If you’ve never explored a geothermal wonderland, then you’re in for a treat here in Taupo! Here you will find boiling mud pools, steaming vents, natural thermal hot pools and amazingly coloured volcanic rocks. There are lots of geothermal places to explore around Taupo, including Orakei Korako, Wairakei Terraces, Craters of the Moon, Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley, Tokaanu Thermal Walk and the Volcanic Activity Centre. After your days explorations, soak in the thermal hot pools for the perfect end to a perfect day.

3. Winter Skiing and Snowboarding

   

   Whakapapa Ski Field in Taupo. Photo Credit: Destination Great Lake Taupo

   In Winter, the slopes of Mt Ruapehu come alive with skiiers and snowboarders from around the world. There are three ski areas on Mt Ruapehu – Whakapapa, Turoa and Tukino with Whakapapa and Turoa Ski Areas being the two largest commercial ski areas in New Zealand. Whakapapa also includes New Zealand’s largest beginner ski and snow play area – named Happy Valley, offers the longest ski season in New Zealand, and has New Zealand’s highest cafe.

4. Huka Falls Waterfall

   

   Huka Falls River Cruise Taupo. Photo Credit: Destination Great Lake Taupo

   We’re only up to point 4, and we know you are already sold on staying in Taupo. But if you still need convincing, then don’t miss New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction – the mighty Huka Falls. Here you can watch as more than 220,000 litres of water blasts down the Huka Falls every second. Take a river cruise right to the falls, enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride right up to the spray of the falls, or take the scenic walk along the banks of the Waikato River to the many lookout points at Huka Falls.

5. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

   

   Tongariro Alpine Crossing near Taupo. Photo Credit: Destination Great Lake Taupo

   World-famous and known as New Zealand’s best one day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an amazing experience passing through volcanic terrain, around bright green crater lakes, and along alpine summits. Located in the World Heritage Tongariro National Park, the crossing is 19.4km of pure rugged New Zealand beauty. Be prepared for all weather, as alpine weather can change quickly.

   Tongariro National Park is located an easy hour and a half drive from Wharewaka Lodge in Taupo and is an idea day activity.

These amazing attractions are only some of the many things you can do in and around Taupo. Plan for a multi-day holiday as you will wish you could stay longer. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, Wharewaka Lodge Boutique B&B is nestled on the absolute lakefront edge and offers eco-friendly, luxury bed and breakfast accommodation. Your hosts Susan and Tony look forward to welcoming you to one of the most beautiful, romantic and inspiring places on earth and are more than happy to help you plan your activities during your stay.