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Lake Taupo

Visit Lake Taupo, New Zealand

Visit Lake Taupo, New Zealand

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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

Lake Taupo, New ZealandA 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.

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who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Barbara

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Lake Taupo by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists

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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.

Map of Lake Taupo

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Lake Taupo

    Photos of Lake Taupo

    • 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.

    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.

    • 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 litres of water per second come tumbling over the cliff face.

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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.

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