Taupō

Taupō sits on the northern shore of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake at 616 km², built around the Waikato River outlet. The town is a base for trout fishing, geothermal attractions, and outdoor activities. The volcanic plateau setting offers everything from bungy jumping and skydiving to geothermal walks and waterfall visits, all within easy reach of the North Island's highest mountains and Tongariro National Park.

Taupo Airport (TUO) on the southern shore offers Air New Zealand Link daily flights from Auckland and Sounds Air flights from Wellington. InterCity buses and naked Bus services connect Taupō to Rotorua (2.5 hours), Wellington, and Auckland. Driving from Auckland takes about 3.5 hours via State Highway 1.

The urban centre is very compact and walkable to most hotels, motels and hostels. The "Hot Bus" shuttle runs regular trips to popular tourist sites. Most activity operators offer free pick-up and drop-off. Car rental is available from multiple companies including Avis, Hertz, and backpacker-focused Backpackers Car Rentals. Push bikes and motor scooters can also be hired.

Taupō has a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters, cooler than other parts of the North Island due to its inland location and 360m altitude. Summer months (December-February) are busiest for water activities. The Ironman New Zealand event occurs on the first Saturday in March, and the Great Lake Cycle Challenge (153km, 10,000+ riders) takes place on the last Saturday in November. Winter (June-August) offers fewer crowds but cold temperatures.

Taupō offers accommodation for all budgets within walking distance of the town centre. Backpacker hostels include YHA Taupo (beds from $27), Finns Global Backpackers, Rainbow Lodge Backpackers Retreat, and Taupo Urban Retreat. Holiday parks like All Seasons Kiwi Holiday Park ($24-160) and Great Lake Taupo Holiday Park ($24-199) offer cabin and powered site options. Motels line Lake Terrace and Napier-Taupo Road.

The town centre has cafes and restaurants along Tongariro St and the lakefront. BodyFuel Cafe (67 Tongariro St) opens daily 7:30AM-5:30PM for breakfast and lunch. Replete (45 Heuheu St) serves M-F 7:45AM-5PM, Sa-Su 8:30AM-late afternoon. Waterside Restaurant & Bar (3 Tongariro St) offers dinner mains $20-40, lunch $12, with lake and mountain views. For bars, try Mulligan's Public House (15 Tongariro St, daily 4PM-late) which targets backpackers, or Finn MacCuals Irish Pub (10 Tuwharetoa St).

Lake Taupo is considered the rainbow trout capital of the world, with fine brown trout in tributaries. Chartered trout fishing services include Trout Catching ($85/hour, 2hr minimum), White Striker Charters ($100-135/hour, 2hr minimum), and Taupo Lake Adventures. Sail options include The Barbary (a 1926 racing yacht departing Berth 10, Redoubt St), Chris Jolly Outdoors (Ferry Rd), Ernest Kemp Cruises, and Two Mile Bay Sailing Centre. The Great Lake Cycle Challenge (153km, November) and Taupo Half Marathon (early August, largest in southern hemisphere) are major events.

Taupō is generally a safe town. Dial 111 for emergencies and ask for Police, Fire, or Ambulance as needed. Standard urban precautions apply regarding personal belongings and traffic. The geothermal areas like Craters of the Moon have marked tracks that should be followed. River activities involve standard water safety precautions.

Taupō has mobile coverage from New Zealand carriers. WiFi is available at various cafes and accommodations. Tomizone and Fivo offer 24/7 internet access points in town. Power plugs follow New Zealand/Australian standard (Type I, 230V/50Hz).

Backpacker accommodation ranges from $24-160/night at holiday parks or $27+ at hostels. Meals at cafes run $12-20 for lunch, $20-40 for dinner. Activities vary widely: geothermal walks from free (Spa Thermal Park) to $47 (Orakei Korako), bungy $169 solo, jet boating $110-149. Daily budget excluding accommodation could be $40-80 for budget eating and one activity.

Turangi (45 min north) is a major trout fishing town at the southern end of Lake Taupo. Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual UNESCO World Heritage site, is accessible for day trips with skiing, trekking and the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Craters of the Moon geothermal walk is a few minutes drive north. Kinloch, a pretty lakeside village, is 15 minutes west. The Waitangi Valley and western bays offer scenic drives.

From Taupō, Turangi is 45 minutes north along the lake shore, the gateway to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Tongariro National Park (1.5-2 hours) offers skiing at Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields and the famous day hike. Rotorua (2.5 hours by bus) is the North Island's cultural and geothermal hub. Waitomo Caves (3 hours) feature glowworm caves. The ski village of Waiouru is on the route to Wellington. State Highway 1 connects south to Wellington and north to Auckland.