Top Things to do in Taupo District
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Taupo District, North Island
Discover the best top things to do in Taupo District, New Zealand including Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve, Mount Ngauruhoe, Lake Taupo, Huka Falls tracks, Waipahihi Botanical Gardens, Spa Thermal Park and Riverbank Recreational and Scenic Reserve, Aratiatia Rapids, L'Arte, Kinloch Beach, Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.
Restaurants in Taupo District
1. Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By V2902SYrebeccaw - Wellington, New Zealand
Follow the Napier Taupō Highway (SH5) 17 km from Taupō. The highway bisects Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve, with car parks on both sides of the road. Two walks, on each side of the road. We enjoyed walking in the cool, a pleasant relief from the hot summer temperature of the day! Although we could hear the cars from the busy highway not far away, it felt peaceful and serene. Northern Track - Time: 30 - 45 min Distance: 1.5 km loop. Southern Track - Time: 1 hr - 1 hr 30 min Distance: 3 km loop The well maintained tracks take you through the bush, and in the case of the Northern Track mature podocarp forest. DOC has labeled some of the trees ( totara, rimu, matai) and bird life is prevalent. Opepe is noted for the 1869 New Zealand Land Wars engagement between the Bay of Plenty Calvary and a band of Maori warriors led by Te Kooti. A side track brings you to the cemetary where the nine soldiers were buried. Later, residents of Opepe township and the Armed Constabulary were also buried there. Opepe was a small township with a hotel, a store and homes for up to 120 people. Relics of this settlement remain. Dogs are allowed, under control.
2. Mount Ngauruhoe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By iVeracity - Magenta, Australia
The first time we drove and Mount Ngauruhoe came into view it did not disappoint. In July it was snow covered and although we could not walk the Tongariro alpine crossing without a guide we walked as far as possible to the mountain. The walk is beautiful and accessible but you must be well prepared and have gear for all weather conditions. We started in beautiful sunshine with outstanding views of the mountain and returned in snow.
3. Lake Taupo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Naina-Damani - London, United Kingdom
New Zealand’s largest lake with stunningly crystal blue fresh water of Lake Taupo, home to some of the best trout fishing in the world.
4. Huka Falls tracks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,294 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By SteveBaldwin-NZ - Hamilton, New Zealand
Really amazing sights and walk, very relaxing walking along the tracks, great facilities and car park too which makes the visit easy. Never get tired of visiting here
5. Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By Naina-Damani - London, United Kingdom
Waipahihi Botanical Garden is an amazing park of native trees and colourful bushes, shrubs and plants which boasts spectacular views over Great Lake Taupo.
6. Spa Thermal Park and Riverbank Recreational and Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Reviewed By batchhen2017 - Timaru, New Zealand
This is so close into town, its very available and easy to find. What a delightful thermal river and hot pools (man made little pools in rocks ) at the side of the larger pool. I was pleasantly surprised how modern the facilities are, changing rooms and toilets very clean. Someone told me its had an upgrade. This is a beautifully made attraction and its free to use, how about that in NZ? It was only 2d when I went, but the fog lifted and I had a lovely soak. I was expecting it to be hotter like 35 to 39d but it was prob about 3od. However, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and stunning scenery around the river.
7. Aratiatia Rapids
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,210 reviews
Reviewed By KiwianaNZ - Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Second time seeing this attraction. Worth the 10 minute drive from Taupo. It’s free to watch and has excellent parking next to the dam gates and start of the rapids. Good viewing platform is also only a short walk through the bush from the car park and is a great place to see the water racing towards you. Safe for all members of the family.
8. L'Arte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By PGNZ - Waipukurau, New Zealand
Still a great place to visit. Great for Coffee and Food and fun to wander around the arts and crafts. Almost always buy something for the Garden
9. Kinloch Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Naina-Damani - London, United Kingdom
Kinloch is a sandy beach which stretches along the Whangamata Bay with spectacular views of Lake Taupo and mountains of Tongarino National Park.
10. Taupo i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By carolinel48 - Oxford, United Kingdom
This was a very good information centre. The staff were very helpful. Well worth using these guys. Thanks
