Taupo

New_Zealand

Taupo, also written Taupō, is a town on the northern shore of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, in the central North Island. It is built around the lake's outlet into the Waikato River, the country's longest river.

It is a popular tourist destination due to its lake, boating, trout fishing, geothermal attractions, waterfalls, outdoor activities and proximity to the North Island's highest mountains.

The Lake Taupo area is situated on a volcanic plateau. The lake, famed for its trout fishing and boating, fills the caldera of one of the largest super-volcanoes in the world, in a still active geological region. About 26,000 years ago, the lake area was a volcano that erupted in an enormous explosion that ejected about 1,200 cubic kilometres of material, spreading it over the central North Island and forming the Volcanic Plateau. The resulting depression became Lake Taupo after it filled with water draining off the surrounding hills. It last erupted around 180 CE, reportedly turning the skies over China and Rome red.

Today, Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake by area, covering 616 square kilometres. It feeds the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest, with the water to run eight hydroelectric power stations. After leaving town, the river rushes through the tourist attractions of Huka Falls and Aratiatia Rapids.

Taupo has a temperate climate with distinct seasons, mild summers, cool winters, and regular rainfall. Due to its inland location and relatively high altitude (360 m above sea level), the climate is cooler than in other parts of the North Island and is more akin to the lower half of the South Island.

The rapids in the Waikato River before the Huka Falls There are many sights of interest in the Taupo region, most of which are free of charge, and you should set a day aside to check out some of the sights. To get around the sights transport is a must - a mountain bike at the very least for people with some fitness or perhaps a rental car or shuttle for those who prefer to relax while on holiday.

  • Aratiatia Dam, Aratiatia Rd (13km north of Taupo, off SH 5. The first dam in the Waikato Hydro power scheme. The gates are opened daily at 10AM, noon, 2PM and 4PM in summer and 10AM, noon and 2PM in winter, which causes the spectacular recreation of the Aratiatia Rapids.
  • Huka Falls, Huka Falls Rd. New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction located just to the north of town on the Waikato river. New Zealand’s largest river is forced between a narrow split in the bedrock. Quite impressive with flows often exceeding 220,000 litres per second.
  • Kinloch. A pretty lakeside village 15 minutes drive west of Taupo.
  • Lions Walk – A walkway starting in town and heading south for about 5 miles following the lake edge. Paved in places through the efforts of local service clubs.
  • Taupo Museum, Story Pl, +64 7 376-0414. Daily 10AM-4:30PM. A small museum located near the centre of town behind the Great Lake Centre. Contains exhibits on the volcanic, Maori and early European history of Taupo. A Maori meeting house is recreated within the building. Exhibitions of art by local and national artists are ongoing. The "Ora" garden which won the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show can be seen in a specially created outside area.
  • Waipahihi Botanical Gardens, cnr Shepherd Rd & Hyde Ave. Has both vehicle and walking tracks through forest and gardens. Also boasts one of the best vantage points of the lake and mountains of the Tongariro National Park. Located in the suburbs.

Being in the heart of the Taupo Volcanic Zone you don't have to travel far to encounter geothermal activity. There are several examples and, though not as heavily marketed or developed as those in nearby Rotorua, they provide a fascinating insight into the fragility of our planet.

  • The Wairakei steam field, 10 minutes north of town on Wairakei Rd, can be accessed by car and provides an insight into the tapping of the earth's heat for electricity generation. The 175MW Wairakei Power Station. opened in 1958, the first geothermal plant in New Zealand and only the second commercial-scale geothermal plant in the world. Today, geothermal power stations in New Zealand produce 15 percent of the country's electricity requirements. Further north along State Highway 5 is the newer and smaller, but more prominent, Ohaaki Power Station.. Its 105-metre tall natural draft cooling tower, like those typically found at nuclear power stations, stands out from the landscape for miles around.
  • Craters of the Moon, Karapiti Rd, Wairakei (a few minutes drive north of town on Wairakei Rd. Summer 8:30AM-6PM, winter 8:30AM-sunset. An easy 45 min (2.75 km) walk through an active and ever-changing other-worldly geothermal wonderland. Adult $8, child (5–12) $4, family $20.
  • Orakei Korako, 494 Orakei Korako Rd (off Tutukau Road, 25 minutes drive north of Taupo, +64 7 378-3131. "The Hidden Valley" of Orakei Korako contains geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs, large silica terraces and the majestic Ruatapu Caves. Adult $36, child (6–16) $15, family $92.

The Wairakei steam field, 10 minutes north of town on Wairakei Rd, can be accessed by car and provides an insight into the tapping of the earth's heat for electricity generation. The 175MW Wairakei Power Station. opened in 1958, the first geothermal plant in New Zealand and only the second commercial-scale geothermal plant in the world. Today, geothermal power stations in New Zealand produce 15 percent of the country's electricity requirements. Further north along State Highway 5 is the newer and smaller, but more prominent, Ohaaki Power Station.. Its 105-metre tall natural draft cooling tower, like those typically found at nuclear power stations, stands out from the landscape for miles around.

The Wairakei steam field, 10 minutes north of town on Wairakei Rd, can be accessed by car and provides an insight into the tapping of the earth's heat for electricity generation. The 175MW Wairakei Power Station. opened in 1958, the first geothermal plant in New Zealand and only the second commercial-scale geothermal plant in the world. Today, geothermal power stations in New Zealand produce 15 percent of the country's electricity requirements. Further north along State Highway 5 is the newer and smaller, but more prominent, Ohaaki Power Station.. Its 105-metre tall natural draft cooling tower, like those typically found at nuclear power stations, stands out from the landscape for miles around.

Craters of the Moon, Karapiti Rd, Wairakei (a few minutes drive north of town on Wairakei Rd. Summer 8:30AM-6PM, winter 8:30AM-sunset. An easy 45 min (2.75 km) walk through an active and ever-changing other-worldly geothermal wonderland. Adult $8, child (5–12) $4, family $20.

Orakei Korako, 494 Orakei Korako Rd (off Tutukau Road, 25 minutes drive north of Taupo, +64 7 378-3131. "The Hidden Valley" of Orakei Korako contains geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs, large silica terraces and the majestic Ruatapu Caves. Adult $36, child (6–16) $15, family $92.

Aratiatia Dam, Aratiatia Rd (13km north of Taupo, off SH 5. The first dam in the Waikato Hydro power scheme. The gates are opened daily at 10AM, noon, 2PM and 4PM in summer and 10AM, noon and 2PM in winter, which causes the spectacular recreation of the Aratiatia Rapids.

Huka Falls, Huka Falls Rd. New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction located just to the north of town on the Waikato river. New Zealand’s largest river is forced between a narrow split in the bedrock. Quite impressive with flows often exceeding 220,000 litres per second.

Kinloch. A pretty lakeside village 15 minutes drive west of Taupo.

Lions Walk – A walkway starting in town and heading south for about 5 miles following the lake edge. Paved in places through the efforts of local service clubs.

Taupo Museum, Story Pl, +64 7 376-0414. Daily 10AM-4:30PM. A small museum located near the centre of town behind the Great Lake Centre. Contains exhibits on the volcanic, Maori and early European history of Taupo. A Maori meeting house is recreated within the building. Exhibitions of art by local and national artists are ongoing. The "Ora" garden which won the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show can be seen in a specially created outside area.

Waipahihi Botanical Gardens, cnr Shepherd Rd & Hyde Ave. Has both vehicle and walking tracks through forest and gardens. Also boasts one of the best vantage points of the lake and mountains of the Tongariro National Park. Located in the suburbs.

A sailing school on Lake Taupo There is no shortage of activities on offer in Taupo, be it an adrenaline rush or the more sedate. There is something for everyone, from the ever popular bungy, to Taupo being internationally known as a mecca for skydiving, to jet boating, trout fishing, scenic flights, and simple pleasures such as the AC Baths and the one and only Starlight Cinema. Lake Taupo is widely considered to be the rainbow trout capital of the world and the lake's tributaries contain some fine brown trout.

Taupo Bungy operates not far from the town centre at the Hell's Gate section of the Waikato River. The location is quite scenic and utilises a custom-built cantilever platform protruding from a cliff face over the river. There is a cafe and several good vantage points. They are endorsed by the New Zealand Safety Standards Authority.

  • Taupo Bungy, 202 Spa Rd, +64 7 377 1135. Daily except 25 Dec. Solo $169, tandem $338.

Taupo Bungy, 202 Spa Rd, +64 7 377 1135. Daily except 25 Dec. Solo $169, tandem $338.

With New Zealand's largest river, the Waikato, flowing from Lake Taupo, there is little wonder that jet boating is available and there are three operators providing trips on various sections of the river. Jet boating is a very New Zealand activity and well worth the effort.

  • Huka Falls Jet, Karetoto Rd, Wairakei (north end of road, next to Prawn Park, +64 7 374 8572. Minimum height 100cm (3ft 3.5in). Adult $125, child (15 and under) $79.
  • Rapids Jet, Nga Awa Purua Rd, Aratiatia, +64 7 374 8066. Office hours, summer 9AM-5PM, winter 10AM-4PM. Minimum height 100cm (3ft 3.5in), life & spray jackets are provided. Adult $110, child (5-15) $60.
  • NZ River Jet, Tutukau Rd, Mihi (just off SH5, 34km north of Taupo, +64 7 333 7111.

Huka Falls Jet, Karetoto Rd, Wairakei (north end of road, next to Prawn Park, +64 7 374 8572. Minimum height 100cm (3ft 3.5in). Adult $125, child (15 and under) $79.

Rapids Jet, Nga Awa Purua Rd, Aratiatia, +64 7 374 8066. Office hours, summer 9AM-5PM, winter 10AM-4PM. Minimum height 100cm (3ft 3.5in), life & spray jackets are provided. Adult $110, child (5-15) $60.

NZ River Jet, Tutukau Rd, Mihi (just off SH5, 34km north of Taupo, +64 7 333 7111.

Taupo's natural scenery with its lake, forests and volcanic backdrop make for an excellent skydive location. Taupo is New Zealand's skydive Mecca, as people flock here to do a jump at the cheapest prices in the country. There are two companies operating from Taupo Airport: Taupo Tandem Skydiving and Skydive Taupo. Each company offers tandem skydives from both 12,000 and 15,000 feet and also provide various DVD and photo options to capture the moment. Taupo Tandem can also cater for experienced solo jumpers and a skydive school operates over the summer months which offers training to beginners.

Taupo Tandem Skydiving, +64 7 377-0428.

Skydive Taupo, +64 7 378-4662.

With a surface area of 616 square km, Lake Taupo is the focal point for the town and its people and to truly appreciate it you really need to head out on it. There are many hidden bays and some spectacular views to be had from on the water. Well worth a look are the large Maori rock carvings that can only be accessed by water. Options available range from large powered charter boats to kayaks.

  • The Barbary, Berth 10, Redoubt St, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 378 5879. The Barbary is a 1926 racing yacht with an interesting history. It is quite popular and a good option for a sunny day.
  • Chris Jolly Outdoors, Ferry Rd, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 378 0623.
  • Ernest Kemp Cruises, 65 Redoubt St, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 378 9222.
  • Fish Cruise Taupo, 65 Redoubt St, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 378 3444.
  • The Junk, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 377 1164.
  • Two Mile Bay Sailing Centre, +64 274 967 350.

The Barbary, Berth 10, Redoubt St, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 378 5879. The Barbary is a 1926 racing yacht with an interesting history. It is quite popular and a good option for a sunny day.

Chris Jolly Outdoors, Ferry Rd, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 378 0623.

Ernest Kemp Cruises, 65 Redoubt St, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 378 9222.

Fish Cruise Taupo, 65 Redoubt St, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 378 3444.

The Junk, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 377 1164.

Two Mile Bay Sailing Centre, +64 274 967 350.

  • Trout Catching, +64 7 377 2039, +64 7 27 485 5391 (mobile). Chartered trout fishing service. $85 per hour - 2hr minimum.
  • Taupo Lake Adventures, 75B Kaimanawa St, +64 7 378 7217, +64 27 471 7650 (mobile). Chartered trout fishing & sightseeing.
  • Lake Taupo Charter Boats NZ, +64 7 378 3444. Fishing & cruising.
  • Fish Lake Taupo Charters (Shoreline Safaris), 29 Tamatea Rd, +64 27 477 6279, +64 7 378 2169 (AH). Trout fishing & sightseeing.
  • White Striker Charters, 15 Matua Rd, File Mile Bay, +64 7 378 2736. Chartered trout fishing. $100-$135 per hour - 2 hours minimum.

Trout Catching, +64 7 377 2039, +64 7 27 485 5391 (mobile). Chartered trout fishing service. $85 per hour - 2hr minimum.

Taupo Lake Adventures, 75B Kaimanawa St, +64 7 378 7217, +64 27 471 7650 (mobile). Chartered trout fishing & sightseeing.

Lake Taupo Charter Boats NZ, +64 7 378 3444. Fishing & cruising.

Fish Lake Taupo Charters (Shoreline Safaris), 29 Tamatea Rd, +64 27 477 6279, +64 7 378 2169 (AH). Trout fishing & sightseeing.

White Striker Charters, 15 Matua Rd, File Mile Bay, +64 7 378 2736. Chartered trout fishing. $100-$135 per hour - 2 hours minimum.

  • Taupo Trout Fishing, +64 21 116 2752. Professional guiding services by Andrew Christmas.
  • Mark Aspinall Fly Fishing Guides, +64 7 378 4453, +64 21 500 384 (Mobile).
  • Free Time Fishing Adventures, +64 27 419 7651. Guided fly fishing & casting lessons.
  • NZ Fly Fish. Fly fishing specialists.

Taupo Trout Fishing, +64 21 116 2752. Professional guiding services by Andrew Christmas.

Mark Aspinall Fly Fishing Guides, +64 7 378 4453, +64 21 500 384 (Mobile).

Free Time Fishing Adventures, +64 27 419 7651. Guided fly fishing & casting lessons.

NZ Fly Fish. Fly fishing specialists.

With the natural beauty of Taupo and its surrounds a scenic flight is well worth considering. There are a number of companies offering flights ranging from 15 minutes to several hours over the town, lake, mountains and volcanic areas. Both helicopter and fixed wing flights are available.

  • Taupo Air Services, Taupo Airport, +64 7 378 5325.
  • Taupo's Floatplane, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 378 7500.
  • Clark & Jolly Helicopters, Taupo Airport, +64 7 377 8805.
  • Mountain Air, National Park.

Taupo Air Services, Taupo Airport, +64 7 378 5325.

Taupo's Floatplane, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 378 7500.

Clark & Jolly Helicopters, Taupo Airport, +64 7 377 8805.

Mountain Air, National Park.

There are many opportunities to walk in and around Taupo. Forest, mountains, guided walks and unguided.

  • Awhina Wilderness Experience. Daily. Half or full day guided walks on Mt Titiraupenga.
  • Mount Tauhara. The mountain sitting on the eastern edge of town can be climbed fairly easily, taking 1.5–2 hours (get directions from your accommodation). The views from the top on a clear day are remarkable, so take your camera.

Awhina Wilderness Experience. Daily. Half or full day guided walks on Mt Titiraupenga.

Mount Tauhara. The mountain sitting on the eastern edge of town can be climbed fairly easily, taking 1.5–2 hours (get directions from your accommodation). The views from the top on a clear day are remarkable, so take your camera.

  • 4PLAY. $575.

4PLAY. $575.

  • AC Baths, 26 AC Baths Rd (cnr Spa Rd, +64 7 376-0350. Daily 6AM-9PM. Adults $8.00, seniors (60+) and students (16-17) $5.00, children (5-15) $4.00, family $20.00.
  • Taupo Hot Springs Spa, 76 Napier Taupo Road, +64 7 377-6502. Daily 8:30AM-9:30PM.
  • Taupo Thermal Park, County Ave (From the Taupo Bungy, follow Spa Rd and turn left after 200m. Find the bridge with the hot river that merges with the cold river. free of charge.

AC Baths, 26 AC Baths Rd (cnr Spa Rd, +64 7 376-0350. Daily 6AM-9PM. Adults $8.00, seniors (60+) and students (16-17) $5.00, children (5-15) $4.00, family $20.00.

Taupo Hot Springs Spa, 76 Napier Taupo Road, +64 7 377-6502. Daily 8:30AM-9:30PM.

Taupo Thermal Park, County Ave (From the Taupo Bungy, follow Spa Rd and turn left after 200m. Find the bridge with the hot river that merges with the cold river. free of charge.

  • Starlight Cinema Centre, Starlight Arcade, Horomatangi St, +64 7 377 1085, +64 7 378 7515 (Info Line). All cinemas air conditioned & wheelchair accessible.

Starlight Cinema Centre, Starlight Arcade, Horomatangi St, +64 7 377 1085, +64 7 378 7515 (Info Line). All cinemas air conditioned & wheelchair accessible.

  • Mind Junction, cnr SH 5 and Palmer Mill Rd (12.5 km north of Taupo, +64 7 377 6555. Daily 10:00-16:00.
  • Lilliput Farm, 136 Link Rd, Oruanui (10 km from Taupo - SH1 to Hamilton, Link Rd is first on the left, 4 km from the Wairakei turn off, +64 7 378 2114. Weekdays 10AM-2PM, weekends & public holidays 10AM-4PM. Adults $12, children 2-15 yrs $6, family pass (2 adults + 2 children) $30.
  • Taupo Horse Treks, Karapiti Rd, Wairakei Forest. Daily. Bookings essential.

Mind Junction, cnr SH 5 and Palmer Mill Rd (12.5 km north of Taupo, +64 7 377 6555. Daily 10:00-16:00.

Lilliput Farm, 136 Link Rd, Oruanui (10 km from Taupo - SH1 to Hamilton, Link Rd is first on the left, 4 km from the Wairakei turn off, +64 7 378 2114. Weekdays 10AM-2PM, weekends & public holidays 10AM-4PM. Adults $12, children 2-15 yrs $6, family pass (2 adults + 2 children) $30.

Taupo Horse Treks, Karapiti Rd, Wairakei Forest. Daily. Bookings essential.

  • Experience Taupo, 57 Tongariro St, +64 7 377 0704. Bookings for all Taupo-based adventure tourism.
  • I-Site Taupo, Tongariro St, +64 7 376 0027.

Experience Taupo, 57 Tongariro St, +64 7 377 0704. Bookings for all Taupo-based adventure tourism.

I-Site Taupo, Tongariro St, +64 7 376 0027.

Over recent years the event industry in Taupo has been thriving. A combination of attractive venues and a supportive community have been key to this growth. Taupo now hosts a number of major international and national events, including:

  • Taupo Events. Taupo has a lot more events than just these, although these are main events - they aren't the only ones. This is a list of all of the current events happening right now, tomorrow and next week!
  • Great Lake Cycle Challenge. Started in 1977 with just 30 riders, this 153km road cycle around Lake Taupo now attracts over 10,000 entrants every year. It is also a round of the prestigious UCI Golden Bike Series. The last Saturday in November is when the event takes place.
  • Ironman New Zealand. Taupo has been home to this event since 1999. Ironman New Zealand is the oldest event outside of the world championships in Hawaii. It is held on the first Saturday in March each year.
  • Taupo Half Marathon. New Zealand's largest half marathon and also the biggest in the southern hemisphere, follows the shore of Lake Taupo for most of the course. Held in early August every year.
  • Oxfam Trailwalker. The world's greatest team challenge to overcome poverty and injustice offers you a rewarding physical endeavour, a fun experience to share with friends and colleagues and the chance to do something amazing for yourself and others.

Taupo Events. Taupo has a lot more events than just these, although these are main events - they aren't the only ones. This is a list of all of the current events happening right now, tomorrow and next week!

Great Lake Cycle Challenge. Started in 1977 with just 30 riders, this 153km road cycle around Lake Taupo now attracts over 10,000 entrants every year. It is also a round of the prestigious UCI Golden Bike Series. The last Saturday in November is when the event takes place.

Ironman New Zealand. Taupo has been home to this event since 1999. Ironman New Zealand is the oldest event outside of the world championships in Hawaii. It is held on the first Saturday in March each year.

Taupo Half Marathon. New Zealand's largest half marathon and also the biggest in the southern hemisphere, follows the shore of Lake Taupo for most of the course. Held in early August every year.

Oxfam Trailwalker. The world's greatest team challenge to overcome poverty and injustice offers you a rewarding physical endeavour, a fun experience to share with friends and colleagues and the chance to do something amazing for yourself and others.

  • Taupō Market, Riverside Park. Sa 9AM-1PM. Seasonal Fruits & Veges, Cakes & Biscuits, Apparel, Lavender Products, Free Range Eggs, Jewellery, Fresh Baked Bread, Curios & Collectables, Preserves, Arts & Craft, Books & Flowers. Also Car Boot Sale - First Saturday of every month.

  • Fly & Gun Shop, 27 Gascoigne St, +64 7 378-4449.
  • Taupo Rod & Tackle, 7 Tongariro St, +64 7 378-5337.
  • Greenstone Fishing, 147 Tongariro St, +64 7 378-3714.

Fly & Gun Shop, 27 Gascoigne St, +64 7 378-4449.

Taupo Rod & Tackle, 7 Tongariro St, +64 7 378-5337.

Greenstone Fishing, 147 Tongariro St, +64 7 378-3714.

Taupō Market, Riverside Park. Sa 9AM-1PM. Seasonal Fruits & Veges, Cakes & Biscuits, Apparel, Lavender Products, Free Range Eggs, Jewellery, Fresh Baked Bread, Curios & Collectables, Preserves, Arts & Craft, Books & Flowers. Also Car Boot Sale - First Saturday of every month.

Not your average airline food.

  • McDonald's, 48 Roberts St (cnr Ruapehu St, +64 6 378 8679. 24 hours. The only McDonald's in the world on an airplane! When the Golden Arches bought the site in 1990, it came with a decommissioned Douglas DC-3, and they incorporated it into the restaurant. The plane, complete with original cockpit, seats 20 diners and is open daily 09:00-16:30.

McDonald's, 48 Roberts St (cnr Ruapehu St, +64 6 378 8679. 24 hours. The only McDonald's in the world on an airplane! When the Golden Arches bought the site in 1990, it came with a decommissioned Douglas DC-3, and they incorporated it into the restaurant. The plane, complete with original cockpit, seats 20 diners and is open daily 09:00-16:30.

  • BodyFuel Cafe, 67 Tongariro St (on SH1 opposite Information Centre, +64 7 378 9555. Daily 7:30AM-5:30PM.
  • Replete, 45 Heuheu St, +64 7 378 0606. M-F 7:45AM-5PM; Sa, Su 8:30AM-late afternoon.

BodyFuel Cafe, 67 Tongariro St (on SH1 opposite Information Centre, +64 7 378 9555. Daily 7:30AM-5:30PM.

Replete, 45 Heuheu St, +64 7 378 0606. M-F 7:45AM-5PM; Sa, Su 8:30AM-late afternoon.

  • Plateau, 64 Tuwharetoa St, +64 7 377-2425. Daily noon-late.
  • Ploughmans, 43-45 Charles Cres, Rainbow Point, +64 7 377-3422. Daily noon-late.
  • Waterside Restaurant & Bar, 3 Tongariro St (near the lake on the corner of Tongariro St and Lake Terrace, +64 7 378-6894. 11AM-10PM. For casual lunch or dinner. There are views of the lake and the mountains (Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu). Outdoor dining in summer and a fireplace to keep you warm in the winter. Also has a Pool Deck, a bar with three high-end pool tables. Dinner mains $20-40; lunch $12.

Plateau, 64 Tuwharetoa St, +64 7 377-2425. Daily noon-late.

Ploughmans, 43-45 Charles Cres, Rainbow Point, +64 7 377-3422. Daily noon-late.

Waterside Restaurant & Bar, 3 Tongariro St (near the lake on the corner of Tongariro St and Lake Terrace, +64 7 378-6894. 11AM-10PM. For casual lunch or dinner. There are views of the lake and the mountains (Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu). Outdoor dining in summer and a fireplace to keep you warm in the winter. Also has a Pool Deck, a bar with three high-end pool tables. Dinner mains $20-40; lunch $12.

  • Tank Juice Bar, 3 Horomatangi St (next door to Soundz Music on the corner, +64 7 378 1064. Situated in Taupo township - fantastic, refreshing and thirst quenching juices.

Tank Juice Bar, 3 Horomatangi St (next door to Soundz Music on the corner, +64 7 378 1064. Situated in Taupo township - fantastic, refreshing and thirst quenching juices.

  • Dbar, 22 Tuwharetoa St, +64 7 378 8542. Bar and gaming lounge.
  • Finn MacCuals Irish Pub, 10 Tuwharetoa St, +64 7 378 6165.
  • Mulligan's Public House, 15 Tongariro St, +64 7 376 9100. Daily 16:00-late. Irish/backpackers bar.
  • Pitch Sports Bar, 38-40 Tuwharetoa St, +64 7 378 3552.
  • Plateau, 64 Tuwharetoa St, +64 7 377 2425. 11:30-late.

Dbar, 22 Tuwharetoa St, +64 7 378 8542. Bar and gaming lounge.

Finn MacCuals Irish Pub, 10 Tuwharetoa St, +64 7 378 6165.

Mulligan's Public House, 15 Tongariro St, +64 7 376 9100. Daily 16:00-late. Irish/backpackers bar.

Pitch Sports Bar, 38-40 Tuwharetoa St, +64 7 378 3552.

Plateau, 64 Tuwharetoa St, +64 7 377 2425. 11:30-late.

  • Taupo Police, 21 Story Pl, +64 7 378 6060. In an emergency, dial 111 and ask for Police.

Taupo Police, 21 Story Pl, +64 7 378 6060. In an emergency, dial 111 and ask for Police.

Accessing the Internet is simple and easy, with Internet cafes and wireless hotspots available in the city centre, motels, restaurants, bars and clubs.

Several wireless hotspots cover a large area.

  • TOMIZONE. 24/7.
  • Kordia METRO WIFI. 24/7.
  • FIVO. 24/7.

TOMIZONE. 24/7.

Kordia METRO WIFI. 24/7.

FIVO. 24/7.

Taupo can be used as a base to see the surrounding country, including Turangi, Tongariro National Park, Waiouru and the western bays.