Day Trip to Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo is located about an hour's drive (80 km) from the city of Rotorua. It is the largest lake in New Zealand, and in fact, it is the size of Singapore! It is about 40 km long, 30 km wide, and covers an area of 616 sq. km. The lake's circumference is over 190 km, and its maximum depth is about 190 meters.
Due to its proximity to Rotorua, it often serves as a convenient starting point for a day trip to the lake. The lake and its surroundings are abundant with activities of all kinds. From water-related activities: fishing, parasailing, jet boats, water parks, and more, to action and fun activities for the whole family such as hiking trails, a rope park, a climbing wall, horseback riding, cycling, Segway, and more.
It is recommended to stay near the lake and tour its surroundings. Here are some recommended places to stay in the lake area:
Located on the shores of Lake Taupo, a 2-minute walk from the center of Taupo. The hotel has spacious double and family rooms. Free internet and parking. Some rooms have a Jacuzzi. You can rent bicycles at the hotel and ride along the lakeshore.
A star-rated apartment hotel with studios and two-bedroom apartments with a living room. A short walk from the lake in the heart of Taupo town. Every apartment has a balcony and a kitchen or kitchenette. Some have a Jacuzzi. The hotel has a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. The hotel has a guest laundry, free internet, and parking.
A high-quality apartment hotel on the lake shore with a charming view. The hotel has a swimming pool and a fitness room. Many apartments have a Jacuzzi or a small pool. The hotel has spacious 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and balcony. Free parking and internet.
The Lake Taupo area is also a center for extreme activities of all kinds, a sort of "northern" version of Queenstown: rafting, kayaking, skydiving, jet boats, and more.
Tours in Taupo via Viator:
Trips and Nature
Just a 5-minute drive from the town of Taupo, you will find Huka Falls, the largest on the great Waikato River, which are one of the most popular natural attractions in New Zealand.
Above the waterfalls, there is a viewing point from which you can be impressed by the power and beauty of the falls and the blue river.
The large waterfall is 11 meters high, with an average flow of 220,000 liters of water per second! The falls are located in Wairakei Park, a tourist park with many trails. In the falls' parking lot, there is a small information kiosk where you can get tips, explanations, and maps showing the trails surrounding the falls.
It is also recommended to visit the large Aratiatia Dam. The dam opens four times a day in summer and three times a day in winter at fixed hours.
Next to the dam, there are several viewing points from which you can see the dam opening process, from which the water flows with great force, and the sight is particularly impressive. Dam opening hours: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00. It is recommended to arrive a few minutes before the dam opens.
The viewing points are from the bridge above the dam (on the road, you won't be able to miss the visitors) and also from the walking trails adjacent to the parking lot (5-10 minutes walk distance).
Around Lake Taupo, there are also activities related to thermal phenomena (nature parks with bubbling mud pools, etc.). In the town of Turangi (located about a 50-minute drive from the center of Taupo), it is nice to visit the Volcanic Activity Centre, which has interactive displays on everything related to volcanoes and thermal activity.
Visitor Centers
Near Huka Falls (a 3-minute drive) is the Huka Honey Hive and shop, where you can visit for free and watch the bees' activity in the hive through glass walls, and enjoy tasting pure New Zealand honey, in a selection of flavors, as well as wine and various spirits made from honey.
In addition to the tastings, you can learn a little about the bees' work, the honey production process, and its health benefits through explanations on-site and a short film screened in the hive.
Another nearby attraction is the Huka Prawn Park, where you can tour between the shrimp farming ponds, feed them, fish them, and more. The place has nature trails and plenty of activities related to water, like pedal boats.
Art lovers will also enjoy visiting the Lava Glass shop, which also has a gallery where you can watch the glass-making process by artist Lynden Over, and an impressive garden where you can walk among beautiful and unique glass sculptures.
