Hiking Trails • Waterfalls
Best Free Things to Do in Taupo
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Taupo
Best Free Things to Do in Taupo
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Types of Attractions
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations
What travellers are saying
- Hey27 contributionsThe Hookers are always going to be a place to come back and visit. I enjoyed every moment.The views are amazing. Thank youWritten 28 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Emma HParkwood, Australia48 contributionsThis was an easy drive from Taupo, well signed. The water release was worth the wait, with a number of view points to see. Walk to the viewing area was an easy track. A great free experienceWritten 19 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tigerram221 contributionsHiked from Spa Thermal Park to Huka falls and total took 1.5 hour round trip (6km). Start point was Spa thermal park car park. Walked a little to Geothermal pool. It is small but very nice and is free for a soak but don’t expect hot water, more like warm water. The park actually has changing room so is convenient if someone wants to go for a swim/ soak in the warm water pool. The hike itself is an easy walk involving gentle slopes and is peaceful walk. Huka Falls is more like a rapids, so have the appropriate expectation.Written 20 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TheLeongOhanaUnited States7,505 contributionsThe views from the lakefront were beautiful and relaxing. There were no crowds at all in May and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. Of course our stop in Taupo only gave us a feel for a small section of this huge lake, the largest in New Zealand.
There was a lot of nearby street parking. The Coolest” McDonald’s and restaurants and cafes were less than five minutes from the shoreline and some had outdoor seating.
We did the obligatory family photo in front of the I Love Taupo sign and wandered through the Tongariro Domain.Written 28 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Linda W21 contributionsIf you have a car, visit this mosaic gallery/garden and cafe. Well worth the drive only a short distance outside of Taupo at Acacia Bay.Written 23 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Vince WHamilton, New Zealand7 contributionsIf you are after a pleasant stroll through lovely gardens then this is the place. Walk around the ring road and top to admire the views of the lake and mountains.Written 5 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TaylorMount Maunganui, New Zealand146 contributionsKinloch is a very quiet town. Beach is nice to take photos. It gets very cold here. Lovely views in the evenings.Written 11 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- rosemariejbAuckland Central, New Zealand42 contributionsWe love staying here for Xmas, from Xmas eve to boxing day. We have dogs and although not everyone is as thoughtful with there dogs , we are very courteous to others who don't have dogs. We love it for our dogs who enjoy swimming in the lake when we can find a time around the many day and camping visitors. We are just living the dream when we are here.Written 5 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jordan L10 contributionsthe top has amazing views and rocks perfect for photos, can see the lake, as well as other mountains. I did this cause weather was too cloudy for tongariro. The start of the walk is very nice, there’s a mid section that’s average in the walk, but the top section is very nice, mossy and natural. Bring food and water as I enjoyed eating at top also windy at top.Written 4 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 111OllyNew Plymouth, New Zealand126 contributionsA good selection of food, drinks ,art and crafts. Live music was excellent too. I nice little market to walk around and and a good selection of items for all.Written 12 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- taup0travelerTaupo, New Zealand4 contributionsOpepe is a bush remnant close to Taupo on the Taupo - Napier Road. It is well worth visiting for an hour or more. Some of the mature podocarps are unique, in that they must have survived some of the Taupo eruptions. Nowadays a team of dedicated volunteers work to control animals pests which means native birds are getting a much better deal and fill the air with delightful song. In amongst the bush are some historical remains dating back to the time of the Armed Constabulary.Written 15 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JElliot32New South Wales, Australia3,962 contributionsThe Taupo i-site is large and impressive, though it has no public toilets. There is a ton of information available and some very helpful large-scale wall maps. Plus free wifi. Not sure if the place is understaffed, as this was the only i-site we visited in NZ where we encountered queues. (We were travelling out of peak season). Anyway, when we did get to see one of the staff he was very helpful. With regard the toilets, we were directed to the 'Superloos' across the road. They were impressive too - and with what looked to be a full-time attendant. I had read it cost 50 cents to use the Superloos but they were free when we visitedWritten 18 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TaylorMount Maunganui, New Zealand146 contributionsGreat place to kick back and enjoy the sun for lunch. Plenty of nature around, toilets nearby, and picnic tables available.Written 11 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Naina-DamaniLondon, UK998 contributionsRose garden is full of fragrant roses which is nestled in the heart of Taupo. It had a large gazebo surrounded by beautiful colourful shrubs including camellias.Written 22 February 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AllanJGJWellington, New Zealand4,211 contributionsThere are a number of interesting things to do around the Huka Falls and it's worth stopping at this attraction for a few minutes. It's a combination of educational facility and retail outlet. Lot's of cute products and interesting information - and a whole wall of bees to inspect.Written 28 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
