Title: Visit Taupo District: 2026 Travel Guide for Taupo District, Waikato | Expedia.com [Taupo District Hotels](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Taupo-District.d6047976.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in Taupo District](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Taupo-District.d6047976.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[Taupo District Flights](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Taupo-District.d6047976.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Taupo District](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Taupo-District.d6047976.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Car Rentals in Taupo District](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Taupo-District.d6047976.Car-Rental-Destinations)[Taupo District Vacations](https://expedia.com/Taupo-District.d6047976.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Taupo District ## Waikato ![Craters of the Moon which includes mountains and a hot spring as well as a couple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108162/da94b4ea-bbf8-4078-95c5-3d680a5f86ce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Craters of the Moon which includes mountains and a hot spring as well as a couple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108162/da94b4ea-bbf8-4078-95c5-3d680a5f86ce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Craters of the Moon which includes tranquil scenes, landscape views and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108162/be298a44-d20a-49f8-addd-fb499b8ee568.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Taupo featuring a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047976/041a9fbc-8c28-4a8a-bcb5-2a924ab2178e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Craters of the Moon showing mist or fog and tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108162/0f79521a-68e6-437a-8030-3e4598af4d76.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) #### Dare yourself to try any number of extreme sports, explore fascinating geothermal areas and enjoy the great scenery around New Zealand’s largest lake. Lake Taupo sits in a caldera that was created during a volcanic eruption more than 26,000 years ago. Here, amid the pretty surroundings of forested hills and distant mountains, you can explore 238 square miles (616 square kilometers) of waterways, as well as several villages and townships. The most prominent of these is Taupo on the lake’s northeastern shore. Many visitors base their adventures around this town or smaller towns such as Turangi, considered the trout fishing capital of New Zealand, and Mangakino. Check out the still waters of Lake Taupo, which consistently attracts fishing fanatics from around the world. If you prefer to be on the water, rent a kayak or canoe in Taupo. Boat tours of the lake will take you to see Māori rock carvings, a hot water beach and scenic Acacia Bay. The Lake Taupo area has become famous in recent decades as an extreme sports hub. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the spectacular scenery as you plummet through the air on a tandem skydive or leap from one New Zealand’s highest bungees. Experience the fascinating areas of thermal activity. Orakei Korako, a 25-minute drive from Taupo, features live geysers as well as a mystical underground pool of green water. Another highlight is Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa. Here you can relax in pools of hot, mineral-enriched water from a geothermal steam field. Nearby you will also find an intricately recreated Māori village, along with artificial geysers and silica terraces. Head back to Taupo, where the township’s museum brings the area’s rich history to life. View stunning tribal paintings and take a look around a wooden Māori house. Lake Taupo is a 3.5-hour drive south of Auckland. You should allow at least 3 days here to fully appreciate the range and diversity of sights and activities. ### Popular cities in Taupo District [Taupō Known for Lakes, Spas and Family-friendly ](https://expedia.com/Taupo.dx3571) Visit a beautiful lakeside town and venture into its surrounding volcanic countryside to see awesome natural wonders and to enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures. ## Reasons to visit - Taupō Hot Springs - Spa Thermal Park - Taupō Museum and Art Gallery [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Taupo.dx3571)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Taupo-Hotels.d3571.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Wairakei Known for Dining, Friendly people and Spas ](https://expedia.com/Wairakei.dx6052675) Get close to volcanic wonders and experience the geothermal power of the center of New Zealand's picturesque North Island. ## Reasons to visit - Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa - Craters of the Moon - Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Wairakei.dx6052675)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Wairakei-Hotels.d6052675.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Turangi Known for Friendly people, Rivers and Nature ](https://expedia.com/Turangi.dx9674) With outdoor pursuits and close proximity to active volcanoes and geothermal attractions, this riverside town is an exciting vacation destination. [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Turangi.dx9674)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Turangi-Hotels.d9674.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Kinloch ](https://expedia.com/Kinloch.dx6346637) Venture to sights like Lake Taupō and The Kinloch Club as you discover Kinloch. [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Kinloch.dx6346637)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Kinloch-Hotels.d6346637.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Kuratau Known for Beaches ](https://expedia.com/Kuratau.dx3000001909) Explore Kuratau: its beaches and more! [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Kuratau.dx3000001909)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Kuratau-Hotels.d3000001909.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Mangakino Known for Volcano, Islands and Sailing ](https://expedia.com/Mangakino.dx6342546) Trip time! Discover the volcanoes, island views, and gardens in Mangakino. [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Mangakino.dx6342546)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Mangakino-Hotels.d6342546.Travel-Guide-Hotels) ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.com/deals?rfrr=DX_SPRING_PROMO_6047976) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app