Top things to do in Taupō
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 19 Jan 2026
New Zealand is famous for its picturesque scenery and views, and renting a car with VroomVroomVroom is the best way to enjoy all the North Island has to offer. Set on the bank of beautiful Lake Taupō, the Taupō region is roughly midway between Auckland and Wellington making it an ideal spot to break up a North Island road trip — don’t make the mistake of allowing just one night though as Taupō is worth more time than that.
If you’ve decided to rent a campervan in Auckland, Taupō is a little under a four-hour drive to the south, while if you’re travelling with a hire car from Wellington, it’s around a five hour drive to the north, but regardless of if you’re travelling by rental motorhome or car, Taupō belongs on your North Island itinerary.
1. Take the Great Lake Taupō drive
New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupō was formed by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago and today is surrounded by mountains, forests, and geothermal landscapes. A popular stop for travellers driving south from Auckland or Rotorua, the lake is known for its clear waters, lakeside walks, and year-round access to outdoor activities year-round. Taupō town itself sits on the northern bank of the lake and offers up a comfortable collection of cafés and accommodation.
Taupō is a particular favourite among nature-lovers, and to get the most out of your rental car, pack a picnic basket and do the Great Lake Taupō drive. With a total driving distance of around 160 kilometres around the entire lake — and with amazing views — it really is a journey worth taking.
2. Visit Huka Honey Hive
Situated just five minutes north of Taupō at Wairakei Tourist Park, the Honey Hive can be found right next to Huka Falls, a great destination for the whole family. Whether it’s viewing the beehives, tasting the honey. or finding the right honey skincare and wellness products, you’ll be sure to enjoy this free-to-enter attraction. Honey is famous for its natural healing qualities, so make sure a visit to Huka Honey Hive is on your itinerary.
3. See the Aratiatia Rapids
Don’t miss out on the Aratiatia Rapids located on Aratiatia Road, ten kilometres north of Taupō. Witness the gorge of surging rapids when the Waikato River falls 28 metres in the space of a kilometre. This is a spectacular and powerful sight to behold.
4. Hike to the summit of Mt. Tauhara
Only a ten-minute drive via Thermal Explorer Highway and State Highway 5, find out why the trail to the top of Mt Tauhara is a favourite hike among locals and visitors. To reach the top, this medium 2.8km trail takes an hour and 15 minutes to walk, providing scenic views over Lake Taupō and the central North Island.
5. Explore Tongariro National Park
Located just south of Lake Taupō, explore several walking trails within the dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park, and experience the magnificent volcanic alpine landscape. Popular activities in the park include skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Aside from hiking, visitors can also enjoy fishing, hunting, and mountain biking in the summer.
6. Bike the Great Lake Walkway
Also known as the Lion’s Walk, the Great Lake Walkway is a ten-kilometre trail that stretches along the shores of Lake Taupō, ending at Five Mile Bay.
7. Enjoy the free hot pool at Spa Thermal Par
This spa park lets its guests and visitors take a dip in the free swimming hot pool. A perfect place to relax, soak in the open air, and enjoy the hot springs, the Spa Thermal Park should not be missed.
8. Mingle with the locals
If you’d love to do something uniquely local, be sure to head down to the Riverside Market, held every Saturday from 10am until 1pm. Here, you’ll discover a great mix of stalls selling local produce, handmade arts and crafts, and more.
9. Have a fun 6D cinematic adventure
Take a virtual ride and experience all of Taupō’s natural wonders and thrilling activities, such as skydiving, whitewater rafting, and jet boating, all from the comfort of your cinema chair at the 6D Adventure Cinema.
10. Get a selfie at #LOVETAUPO
Let the selfies begin! Visitors flock to see the #LoveTaupo lettering, which can be found on Lake Terrace. This has become an iconic must-see photo spot for travellers, in part because of its beautiful backdrop courtesy of Lake Taupō and the nearby snow-capped mountains.
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around New Zealand by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
