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The largest lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupo is known for its trout, Māori rock carvings, white-water rafting, jet boat rides and views of the volcanic Tongariro National Park.
Widely known as the trout fishing capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Taupo abounds with rocky coves, white pumice beaches and sheltered inlets that can only be reached by boat.
It’s the starting point for fishing trips, jet boat rides on the famous ‘Huka Jet’ and white-water rafting trips on the surrounding rivers.
Lake Taupo scenic cruise
A cruise across majestic Lake Taupo takes visitors to the impressive Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, as well as visiting other points of scenic and historical interest around the lake shores.
On a clear day, the views across the deep blue waters to the impressive volcanoes of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe are unsurpassable.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Lake Taupo by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists
- 617-223-4580
- Make an inquiry
Suggested itinerary featuring Lake Taupo
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Lake Taupo, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Lake Taupo
- North Island 25 kilometers away
- Rotorua 63 kilometers away
- Tongariro National Park 77 kilometers away
- Waitomo 97 kilometers away
- Bay of Plenty 109 kilometers away
- Tauranga 112 kilometers away
- Napier 116 kilometers away
- Hastings 126 kilometers away
- Hawke's Bay 128 kilometers away
- Whanganui National Park 165 kilometers away
- Eastland & Gisborne 171 kilometers away
- Taranaki & New Plymouth 178 kilometers away
- Thames & Kauaeranga Valley 178 kilometers away
- Waikato 187 kilometers away
- Coromandel Peninsula 199 kilometers away
- Waiheke Island 230 kilometers away
- Auckland 235 kilometers away
- Devonport 236 kilometers away
- The Kapiti Coast 261 kilometers away
- Greytown 272 kilometers away
- Wairarapa & surrounds 277 kilometers away
- Great Barrier Island 284 kilometers away
- Warkworth 284 kilometers away
- Martinborough 287 kilometers away
- Wellington 310 kilometers away
- Marlborough Sounds 322 kilometers away
- Picton 340 kilometers away
- Blenheim 364 kilometers away
- Abel Tasman National Park 365 kilometers away
- Collingwood & Farewell Spit 366 kilometers away
- Nelson 373 kilometers away
- The Kauri Coast 401 kilometers away
- Kahurangi National Park 414 kilometers away
- Paihia 418 kilometers away
- Russell 419 kilometers away
- Bay of Islands 425 kilometers away
- Kerikeri 429 kilometers away
- Matauri Bay 450 kilometers away
- Kaikoura 461 kilometers away
Photos of Lake Taupo
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![Sunset over Lake Taupo, New Zealand]()
Sunset over Lake Taupo, New Zealand -
![Kayaking, Lake Taupo, New Zealand]()
Kayaking, Lake Taupo, New Zealand -
![Wairakei Thermal Hot Pools, Lake Taupo, New Zealand]()
Wairakei Thermal Hot Pools, Lake Taupo, New Zealand -
![Aratiatia Rapids, Taupo, New Zealand]()
Aratiatia Rapids, Taupo, New Zealand -
![Sailing and kayaking at Lake Taupo's Maori rock carvings]()
Sailing and kayaking at Lake Taupo's Maori rock carvings -
![Admiring Lake Taupo's Maori rock carvings]()
Admiring Lake Taupo's Maori rock carvings -
![Taupo, New Zealand]()
Taupo, New Zealand -
![Maori rock carvings, Taupo, New Zealand]()
Maori rock carvings, Taupo, New Zealand
Accommodation choices for Lake Taupo
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Lake Taupo. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Huka Lodge, Taupo]()
Huka Lodge
Lake Taupo -
![Acacia Cliffs]()
Acacia Cliffs Lodge
Lake Taupo -
![River Birches]()
River Birches Lodge
Lake Taupo
Ideas for experiencing Lake Taupo
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Lake Taupo, and which use the best local guides.
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Chris Jolly's Cruise on Lake Taupo ![Maori rock carvings, Lake Taupo]()
Chris Jolly's Cruise on Lake Taupo
Chris Jolly's Cruise on Lake Taupo
A scenic cruise taking you out onto Lake Taupo, to the Māori rock carvings and to historical points of interest in Whakaipo Bay.
View details -
Hukafalls Jet Boat ![Huka Falls Jet Boat excursion, Lake Taupo]()
Hukafalls Jet Boat
Hukafalls Jet Boat
This jet boat ride takes you upriver, through native bush and past thermal pools, to the very base of the Huka Falls, where 220,000 liters of water per second come tumbling over the cliff face.
View details
