By plane

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

Taupo Airport also provides for private jets and other aircraft and is the busiest parachute drop zone in New Zealand. Scenic flights and skydiving are a popular attraction for the region.

By bus

Intercity, Newmans and Nakedbus offer coach services to/from Taupo several times a day to most destinations throughout the North Island. Adventure travel networks in the form of Kiwi Experience, Magic Bus, Stray and Contiki also visit Taupo (daily in summer).

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

Aratiatia Dam, Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery , Mount Tauhara , Craters of the Moon, Waipahihi Botanical Reserve

Aratiatia Dam

The first dam in the Waikato Hydro power scheme. The gates are opened daily at 10AM, 12PM, 2PM and 4PM (10, 12 & 2 during winter) which causes the spectacular recreation of the Aratiatia Rapids.

Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery

A small museum located near the centre of town behind the Great Lake Centre on Story Place. Contains exhibits on the Maori, Volcanic and early European history of Taupo. A Maori meeting house is also recreated within the building and exhibitions of art by local and New Zealand artists are ongoing. The "Ora" garden which won the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show has recently been added in a specially created outside area.

Mount Tauhara

The mountain sitting on the eastern edge of town can be climbed fairly easily (get directions from your accommodation) and the views from the top on a clear day are remarkable, take your camera.

Craters of the Moon

An easy 45min/2.75km walk through an active and ever changing geothermal wonderland.

Waipahihi Botanical Reserve

Located in the suburbs has both vehicle and walking tracks through forest and gardens. Also boasts one of the best vantage points of the lake and mountains of the Tongariro National Park.

January - April
October - December

Information not available

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