History of Taupo

Taupo (pop. 19,000), at the northeast corner of the lake, is still a relatively young town, having grown to its present size only since the 1950s. Its growth was stimulated by the construction of new roads, the development of the volcanic plateau by redeforestation with pines, the harnessing of geothermal energy and above all by tourism. The lake

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, in which Californian rainbow trout have flourished since the late 19th C., has become a popular holiday destination. It also makes a pleasant stopover on the journey from Wellington to Auckland. Numerous hotels, motels, holiday houses and motor camps cater for visitors; many of them have their own swimming pools of thermal water.

Tourist Attractions in Taupo

Orakei Korako - Geothermal Field
To reach the thermal field it is necessary to take a boat across the Waikato River. Part of the area was flooded by the damming of the river in 1961, but this does not interfere with the walkway round the geysers, sinter terraces, mud pools and hot springs. The finest feature is the Great Golden Fleece, a range of sinter terraces 38m long and over 4m high.

Taupo - De Brett's Thermal Baths
The luxurious De Brett Thermal Pools are in the style of Japanese bathhouses. Theac Baths in Spa Road were originally established for the use of the police force, the AC (Armed Constabulary). There are also thermal baths at Tokaanu on the south side of the lake, near a small geothermal field.

Taupo Walkway
This walk, starting from County Avenue in Taupo, follows the Waikato River to the Huka Falls (4km) and on to the Aratiatia Rapids (11km). Skirting the forest, it affords a succession of beautiful views.

Wairakei Thermal Valley
The densely wooded Wairakei Thermal Valley has a variety of post-volcanic phenomena, including a small geyser (which gives rise to a hot waterfall), bubbling mud pools and multicolored mineral deposits.

How to reach Taupo

By rail :
A main train route through New Zealand from Auckland to Wellington, passes through Ohakune and the National Park ski village.  For more details of this scenic rail travel, visit

By Road :

By car
Taupo's central location makes for easy access by car and driving time to Taupo is seldom excessive. Approximate drive times from main centres are:

• Auckland - 4hrs
• Hamilton - 1hr 45min
• Rotorua - 45min
• Napier - 2hrs
• Wellington - 5hrs

It does pay to allow additional time over the Christmas/New Year period and on public holidays as highway congestion can add greatly to travel times.

By Air :
Taupo has a small airport which is served by Air New Zealand. There are daily flights from Auckland and Wellington.

Best Buying Taupo

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