Taupo is smack dab in the middle of the North Island of New Zealand and is dominated by the huge lake Taupo, which is New Zealand’s largest lake.

Along with the huge lake, there are many other wonderful natural landscapes to explore in the region to get your nature on. To embrace your inner nature nerd, check out these 6 awesome spots in Taupo.

Huka Falls

Huka Falls is a natural wonder.

Gaze upon the sight of 250,000 litres of water rushing by per second over a 11m waterfall. The sound is deafening - all that can be heard is the thundering of water. This spot is New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction, with thousands flocking here to gaze at this clear clear water rush by.

There are several walks and bike trails at Huka for people to explore as well.

Important Info about Huka Falls

How to get there - The Huka Falls carpark is only a five minute drive from Taupo City Centre. Simply put Huka Falls, Wairakei, Taupō 3384 in your navigation and you will get there. There is a large carpark and the falls is a short 2 minute walk from there.

Gate closes at 6-30pm in summer and 530pm in winter and a $30 release fee will apply if you try and leave after closing. The gates open at 8am all year long, so this is not a great spot for sunrise.

There are several different ways to view the Huka Falls. You can walk from the carpark and view the falls from the lookout. You can also explore the falls a bit closer with a river cruise with the Huka Falls River Cruise, the only cruise allowed on the falls. This one hour and a half cruise will take you a lot closer to the falls and you can get some amazing shots from the boat’s viewing platform. And for those who like a little more adrenaline in their sightseeing, check out the Huka Falls Jet boat.

Aratiatia Rapids

Another amazing show of the power of water, the Aratiatia Rapids is a cool spot to check out. Because at this spot, the Waikato River drops 28m in a span of one kilometer. This powerful surging water has been harnessed into hydroelectric power.

Important Information about the Rapids

There are three viewing spots offering vantage points to see the Rapids.

You need to time your visit in accordance to when the dam gates open, as this is when you will see the water rushing by and filling the gorgeous below. The gate opening times can be found here

You will hear several sirens when you are waiting for the dam to open. These are nothing to be worried about.

Make sure to arrive at least 20 minutes before the gates open so you can get a good spot for viewing the Rapids

This is a no swim zone. The area is dangerous due to the dam gates sending huge amounts of water into the gorge

You can camp at the carpark here if you are self contained.

This is where the Huka Cruise departs from.

Taupo Lake

How can I talk about Taupo without mentioning the lake.

There are many beaches spotted along the lake, offering beautiful spots to take a dip in the water. Ones close to Taupo township include Rainbow Point, Two Mile Bay, and Hot Water Beach. Hot water beach has spots of hot water to chill in, but be careful as they can get quite hot.

Taupo Lake is a great spot for sunrise or sunset, especially on a clear day as you can see Mount Ruapehu from certain vantage points.

There are all sorts of ways to explore the lakes from kayaking to catching a ride on the eco sail, Sail Barbary. This quiet zero emissions electric yacht will sail you to see the Māori carvings at Mine Bay.

You can also hire Dough Boats, which you can man with you and your friends and explore the lake. These are also electronic and you can bring food and drink on board and have a on the lake picnic.

Waipahihi Botanical Gardens

This is a huge botanical garden in Taupo managed by Waipahihi Botanical Society and is a sprawling natural space in Taupo.

There are numerous trails going through the gardens which are normally named after a certain theme for example the floral walk and the lemonwood. In this garden, there are over 2000 rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas growing within its boundaries. Many birds call this place home, including kereru, tui and piwakawaka.

Costs - The gardens are free to see. But donations are appreciated as this is a volunteer run initiative. There is a donation box at the exit.

For flower viewing, the best time to visit is between October and November.

Heaps of parking at different points in the garden, you can stop in accordance to what walk you want to venture in.

Where - Top of Shepard Road.

Craters of the Moon

If you are wanting to see a geothermal zone in Taupo, then Craters of the Moon will be right up your alley.

This attraction is managed by the Craters of the Moon trust and DoC and costs $8 for entry for adults and $4 for children. The walk explores geothermal vents and wonders, including a large crater. The walk is board-walked and journey through a geothermal wonderland.

Information about Craters of the Moon

Open 10am to 4pm, last entry 3pm.

They are open every day of the year expect Christmas Day

No dogs

Smoke and cape free zone

The walk is wheelchair and pram accessible but some parts are a little difficult to navigate being a gravel path.

Spa Thermal Park

If you are looking for a place to swim, look no further than the Spa Thermal Park. At the Thermal Park, is the Otumuheke Stream hot pools, which are situated right next to the Waikato River and is a natural hot spring where you can soak. There are also cold spots to dive into closer to the river on those hot summers day.

At the Thermal Park, there is also Frisbee Golf and a walk that will take you to Huka Falls.

Important Information about Thermal Spa Park

There are changing rooms and toilets right by the hot springs

There is also a cafe where you can pick up a drink to enjoy pre or post swim. Open from 10am to 4pm.

There is a ten minute walk from the carpark to the water.

6 Amazing Spots in Taupo to visit if you Love Nature