Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand
IntroAt the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Lake Taupo is a body of freshwater so big that you can see it from space, and it’s been an attraction for millennia – first for the indigenous Māori people, then European settlers and now for tourists. With its pristine waters and reputation as an ‘adventure playground’, you really can’t beat Taupo at any time of year: in summer, people flock here to swim, bike and boat, while in winter, snow-blanketed fields draw enthusiastic skiers. If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, this is one iconic location that you can’t afford to miss. [Photo: Andy Belcher, Destination Great Lake Taupō]
0/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
DriveThe Drive – While most people follow State Highway 1 to get to Taupo (which is a 4.5-hour drive from Wellington or a 3.5-hour drive from Auckland), it’s better to get off the beaten track and explore the smaller towns. Wind your way via Otorohanga and Te Kuiti if you’re driving down from Auckland, or if you’re coming up from Wellington, go via Viking town Dannevirke and then onto State Highway 50. This will take you through scenic art deco town Napier (pictured), which is well worth a stop for its great cuisine and stunning architecture. From there, you’ll travel through Te Haroto and Rangitaiki to arrive at your destination in just under 6 hours. [Photo: iTravelNZ, Wikimedia Commons]
1/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
PlaceThe Place – The Taupo region is made up of its central eponymous town and a series of smaller villages that surround the lake: Kinloch, on the lake’s northern edge, has great views; Turangi, on the banks of the Tongariro River, is known for its rainbow trout fly fishing; Acacia Bay, a picturesque town located west of Taupo town, is perfect for camping, boating or hiking; Kuratau (pictured), sitting on a flat bay on the western side of Lake Taupo, is popular with families; Hatepe is known for a volcanic eruption around 180 AD; and Omori and Pukawa Bay are secluded holiday retreats with stunning views eastwards across the lake. [Photo: Martyn Davies, Destination Great Lake Taupō]
2/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
TipThe Tip – While Taupo town centre has plenty of swanky hotels, locals suggest staying in one of the aforementioned smaller outposts and booking a ‘bach’ (Kiwi for beach house) for a more organic experience. Taupo is truly otherworldly and alive with vibrant nature, so there’s no excuse not to explore and ‘get lost’ a little. To make the most of your trip, hire a car and book a stay somewhere away from the rabble so that you can experience the bliss of Lake Taupo in peace – minus the tourists. [Photo: Destination Great Lake Taupō]
3/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
ViewThe View – If you’re in the mood for a challenge of Lord of the Rings proportions, you simply must do a day hike along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks. While it requires serious graft (and proper walking shoes), you can’t beat the views from the alpine summit. You might regret your life decisions while climbing ‘The Devil’s Staircase’ on the way up, but trust us: once you catch those breathtaking panoramas, you’ll have scored lifelong bragging rights. Hike length: 8 hours, 19km/11.8m. Drive to trailhead: 1 hour 20 minutes from Taupo. [Photo: Martyn Davies, Destination Great Lake Taupō]
4/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
LunchThe Lunch – At Waterside in Taupo, you’ll find the perfect casual spot to relax as you enjoy delicious food and spectacular views of the glorious lake and surrounding mountains. Offering creative cocktails for adults and ‘freakshakes’ for the little ones, the restaurant serves lunch until 4:30pm, so you can fit your meal around the day’s activities on the lake. [Photo: Waterside Restaurant]
5/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
DinnerThe Dinner – If you feel like splashing out on dinner when on the lake, book into Bistro Lago at the Hilton Lake Taupo. With New Zealand-inspired delicacies, from Kawakawa-cured Big Glory salmon and seaweed oil, forest lime, smoked crème-fraiche and sprouts, or grain-fed Manawatu beef carpaccio with NZ horseradish, mascarpone and root chips, plus classics like Gisborne tarakihi fish, chips, chipotle tartare and smashed peas, the à la carte menu delivers to even the most demanding of gourmand standards. [Photo: Bistro Lago/Love Taupo]
6/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
ShopThe Shop – Fashionistas will fall in love with family-owned boutique …is this love? and its well-curated selection of New Zealand fashion, located at 17 Heu Heu Street in Taupo. Offering a range of women’s clothing, jewellery and accessories, featured designers include wunderkind Karen Walker, ethical fashion pioneers KowTow and international superstars Lonely. Just remember to set yourself a generous budget! [Photo: Love Taupo]
7/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
MarketThe Market – On Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, mingle with the locals at the Taupo Market (or the Riverside Market). Browse crisp seasonal produce, meet the food producers and shop for a delicious treat to take home and devour. With a cash-out facility and a once-a-month ‘Trash and Treasure Fair’ where locals sell their old antiques, the Taupo Market is the perfect way to start your weekend and sample the fresh flavours of the region. (Note: The market will be moving in January 2020. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.)
8/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
WalkThe Walk – If you’re in the region, you have to visit Huka Falls, where the mighty Waikato River enters a shallow ravine of volcanic rock, and 200,000 litres of water crash down a sheer drop 11 metres high. For an easy warm-up walk, hike the one-hour route through native forest from Spa Park to Huka Falls trail. As the sound of the rushing river grows louder, the peaceful water along the trail suddenly turns into a powerful force of nature. You’ll get a great perspective of the falls – and hopefully capture a few jaw-dropping photos for the ‘gram. [Photo: Destination Great Lake Taupō]
9/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
KidsThe Kids – Looking for a wintry getaway? Get the kids on the slopes at Whakapapa Ski Area for chilled-out family fun. From the most experienced teen skiers to the littlest snow-monster, this alpine facility caters for all. You can hire equipment on the mountain and hit the slopes straightaway, later treating the kids to a hot chocolate at Knoll Ridge Chalet – New Zealand’s highest café. Whakapapa also boasts of Happy Valley, New Zealand’s largest beginner ski and snow play area, so make sure you set aside a good full day for your little ones to enjoy snowboarding lessons, sledding, snowball fights and trying to build a snowman. [Photo: Martyn Davies, Destination Great Lake Taupō]
10/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
SecretThe Secret – For something a little different, why not visit Waipahihi Botanical Gardens, where you can see (and hear) New Zealand’s native birds, such as Kereru and Piwakawaka. Bring a picnic and a blanket, and discover the native and exotic plants that make Aotearoa so special. The best time to see the spectacular floral displays is in spring (October and November), so consider visiting at this time of year. Waipahihi is also an ideal place for children to play and explore the many hiding opportunities that abound. Hide and seek, anyone? [Photo: Waipahihi Botanical Gardens]
11/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
HangoutThe Hangout – It’s not complicated: you simply can’t beat sitting by Lake Taupo and eating some fish and chips at dusk. Order yourself some crispy battered ‘fish and chips’, pop into the supermarket for a 6 pack of beer and watch the sun go down over this magical natural playground. Pure bliss. [Photo: Krystle Rakatau, Destination Great Lake Taupō]
12/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
EventThe Event – For 42 years, people have flocked to Lake Taupo to enter New Zealand’s largest sporting participation event: the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. Popular with tourists and locals alike (with 7,000 cyclists from 20 countries competing), this classic Kiwi event is well-organised and community-minded. The famous 160km ‘Round the Lake’ – a one-lap circumnavigation of Lake Taupo – is just one of 14 event categories. There are both on-road and mountain biking options for individuals and teams, catering to all levels of cycling and fitness abilities. It’s worth checking out for the spectacle and excitement, even if you don’t cycle. [Photo courtesy Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge]
14/15
Travel
Weekend Getaway Guide: Taupo, New Zealand.
DigsThe Digs – As mentioned, when it comes to where to stay, it’s best to skip the main Taupo town centre and venture further afield. Gorgeous Omori Lakehouse bed and breakfast, for example, comes it at a very reasonable $180 a night, and feels like staying in a tree-house. With stunning 180-degree lake views and a roaring stone fireplace in winter, this is worth getting that hire car! Two guest rooms (the Koru Room and the Tui Room) both have an en-suite bathroom, super-king-sized beds and a private deck. Book out both rooms, and this becomes the perfect family retreat. You can cook in your own private kitchen and sip a glass of Sauvignon Blanc while enjoying the twinkling lights from across the lake in Taupo town centre. You’ll be able to truly relax, wander down to the lakefront and really soak up the atmosphere, making the most of your Taupo adventure. [Photo: Omori Lakehouse]
15/15
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.