Taupo is a beautiful little town located on the North Island of New Zealand. Known for its giant lake, and other mesmerizing landscapes, Taupo welcomes tourists to soak in its natural beauty, throughout the year. Regardless of its size, this town has so much more to offer than you are ready to take. Let’s have a look at the best five of all the fun things to do in Taupo –

Explore The Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo does not have a lot to offer except for its delightful waters and the beautiful views of the sun. The reason why something as basic as exploring a lake makes a place in the list of best things to do in Taupo is the serenity that tourists feel there. You might as well pay all your money somewhere else, but you won’t feel the calmness that you will feel in Lake Taupo. So, you see, it’s not really about the money. You can choose just to hang out alone or with a good company and swim, or you can opt for kayaks, boats or jet skis which are of course chargeable. You can also check out the Carved Maori Rocks while you are at Lake Taupo.

Kayak hire – from $20/hour.

Boat hire – from $83/hour.

Jet Skis – from $87 an hour.

Wander the town of Taupo

Wandering Taupo as a town itself is nothing short of experience in itself. One of the places to mainly visit in Taupo is the Domain, where the lake meets the town. As you start your trip, you can go to a community Art to behold the collection of artwork sculptures. However, sculptures are not a rare sight when you are in Taupo. You can find them almost everywhere. There are a lot of delightful shops that you can visit but always make sure that you are not being looted of your money. The best way to check out Taupo is by taking a train like Lion Express that runs every weekend.

Lion Express – $2 per person.

Have fun in the water

Spa Park is a place you must not allow yourself to miss if you want to leave the town of Taupo with a feeling of relaxation. The warm waters of the Otumuheke Stream are as refreshing as the best of Springs. If you continue to follow the stream, you are going to find more hot pools. Hold up, because the most rewarding view is yet to be seen. Following the Waikato River, you will reach the Huka Falls. Around 200,000 liters of water passes through a rock cutting in Huka Falls, every second. This alone makes for the most sought after views in Taupo. However, there are no changing facilities available. So, get wet only if you either don’t mind looking wet in public or changing clothes in public. That latter might get you arrested on account of nudity in public, though.

Huka Falls Cruise – Adult $39 and Child $15.

Jet Boat Tour to Huka Falls – Adult $129 and Child $89.

Let the gardens enchant you

On the hillside, overlooking Taupo, you will find Waipahihi Botanical Gardens. These gardens offer a gorgeous view of Lake Taupo and the mountains. There are dedicated trails and walks in these gardens. People often come here to have a picnic. In fact, if you want to go a little high on the budget, there are also facilities available for picnic spots. Another garden to visit is the Lava Garden, where you will find more than six hundred glass structures.

Waipahihi Gardens – free.

Lava Glass Gardens – $7.50.

Experience the Craters of The Moon

After you visit the Spa Park, you will be assured of the magic that the lands and waters of Taupo are capable of. You are going to want to see more. That’s when you must go to the Craters of the moon. You’ll find mud craters, steam vents, and pools. Once you are done having fun there, head up to Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley, which lies right next to the geothermal power plant.

Craters of The Moon – $8 adult and $4 child.

Volcanic Activity Centre – entry from $5.