Is Taupo worth visiting?
Yes, Taupo is definitely worth visiting for numerous reasons. Its a town that everyone should see, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing skiing and fantastic food.
Taupo is a town in the middle of New Zealand's North Island. It is surrounded by stunning natural areas that are amazing to explore. There are also water activities, adventures for thrill seekers, and countless activities on the lake. During the winter months you can enjoy skiing.
Tupou Bay, New Zealand
5 Reasons to Visit Taupo
1. Skiing
Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.
2. Food
The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.
3. Hiking
The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.
4. Nightlife
It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.
5. Shopping
The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.
Is Taupo worth visiting in the Summer?
The peak season for travel is summer in Taupo, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. This is a great time of year to take in the local charm, get out into nature, and enjoy an evening out.
Is Taupo worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Taupo. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, take a hike, and savor the small town atmosphere.
Is Taupo worth visiting in the Winter?
The high season for travel in Taupo is the winter, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
Most visitors come during the winter for the terrific skiing and snowboarding, as it's the main activity here. During this season it's fun to experience the snow skiing, the cuisine, and the nightlife scene.
Is Taupo worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Taupo, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, admire the wonderful scenery, and wander through the small town. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Taupo
Museums and Attractions
Taupo isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Taupo might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Taupo here or see if Taupo is expensive here.
Related
What is Taupo most famous for?
Taupo is most famous for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. The town is very popular for its skiing. It's also known for food and hiking. And many travelers come for the nightlife and shopping, as well. It is often described as striking, stunning, and otherworldly.
What is the most famous sight in Taupo?
The most popular sight in Taupo is the Craters of the Moon reserve. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Taupo on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Craters of the Moon reserve and other attractions here.
How touristy is Taupo? Is it a popular town to visit?
Taupo is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Marvelous Circus: $22
- Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Cursed Cabin: $22
- Western Bays Sightseeing Tour from Kinloch Lake Taupo: $80
- Chasing Waterfalls The Adventurer from Kinloch Marina: $161
- Great Lake Trail Lake Taupo 2-Day Mountain Biking Tour: $95
- Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures -Tiua: $41
- Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Kindred Spirit: $35
- Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako: $30
How long should I spend in Taupo?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Taupo is two to three days. Since Taupo has a variety of activities such as skiing, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Taupo?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Taupo?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Taupo?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.