12 free* things to do this long weekend in Taupo
* free or optional spending on each of these. Fuel and travel not taken into account.
1 Take a walk along our lakefront
From short jaunts down the Lion’s Walk in Taupo, strolls along the Tokaanu pier, taking in the beautiful scenery along the Kinloch waterfront, or enjoying a paddle along the Kuratau beach, just wherever you can reach the lake easily. Beautiful scenery is free!
2 Explore Spa Park
Whether you want to walk all the way to the Huka Falls, or would prefer a short trip to the play park, this is a great space for families. There are even some great cycle tracks, a BMX course and frisbee golf. Cool your toes in the cool Waikato River, or treat yourself to a warm dip in the natural hot stream.
3 Wander around Taupo town and see the amazing Graffiato artwork
You can even download the Graffiato walking map, or pick up a copy at the Taupo Museum, Taupo visitor centre or at some local cafes, so that you can find and read about your favourites.
4 Visit the Taupo botanical gardens
With countless winding pathways, bird song filling the air, stunning views, painted rocks to find and re-hide, native plants to spot, and plenty of scenic areas for a picnic, this is a fantastic spot to take the family.
5 W2K Trail – cycle or walk
Discover the Whakaipo Section of the Great Lake Trails. Providing great views across Lake Taupo and down towards Kinloch, you can either choose to walk all or part of it, or take your bike for a spin.
6 Go to see Aratiatia dam opening
Check the opening times, take a wander up the woodland trails, and make it back to the bridge to see the dam opening and the rapids reach full force. Just don’t go swimming!
7 Visit the local weekend markets
You don’t need to buy anything to enjoy a morning walking around the stalls or listening to the live music. Market Central in Taupo is a great activity for the whole family, even if you just want to soak up the atmosphere and take in the scenery of the lakefront.
8 Do a tour of the play areas in the region
Try out the bigger ones in the town centres, or go off the beaten track; there’s one in almost every suburb and some of the new subdivisions have particularly impressive set ups.
9 Go for a swim in the lake
Find a nice safe spot to take a dip. On those cooler summer days, why not check out the natural hot springs that flow into the lake and hang out there?!
10 Visit the Tongariro National Park
Whether you’d prefer the under-shade leafy Lake Rotopounamu track, or sunblock-up and visit the Taranaki Falls, where you can enjoy some dipping your toes in some fresh mountain water while you marvel at the incredible close-up volcanic landscape.
11 Visit the Opotaka Historic Reserve – Lake Rotoaira
A stone’s throw from Turangi is this historical Maoria pa site (fortified village). Learn about the history of the famous Ka Mate Haka, the Haka performed by the All Blacks, which was created here. You can also enjoy spectacular views across Lake Rotoaira to Mt Tongariro.
12 Visit the Huka Honey Hive
Take a tour of the site and learn about the benefits of manuka honey, royal jelly and bee pollen. Sample a range of honey-based products and a even treat yourself to some honey ice.