Lake Taupō is calling

Escape to Taupō for the ultimate winter break

Fishing at Western Bays.

Fishing at Western Bays.

Far away from the city is a world of magical lake and mountain landscapes. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors by day and curl up by a roaring fireplace under the stars at night.

Here’s your guide to off-the-beaten-track places to eat, play and stay in the Taupō region this winter.

Bully Point

Tama Lakes

Tama Lakes

Reconnect with yourself and nature

Spending some time outside in the fresh, crisp air of the Central Plateau will recharge your spirits. Take in breathtaking scenery by foot, kayak and boat on a full day Scenic Lake Cruise & Kayak Tour around the Western Bays, admiring majestic waterfalls and towering cliffs along the way.

Then warm yourself up with some bubbling hot springs and active natural geysers at Ōrākei Kōrako Cave and Geothermal Park. This hidden valley has the most active natural geysers of any of New Zealand’s geothermal parks and is one of Taupō’s best-kept secrets.


Ōrākei Kōrako Cave and Geothermal Park

Ōrākei Kōrako Cave and Geothermal Park

Get the blood pumping


Whatever your preferred way to get around, there’s a path, track or trail to suit you somewhere in the Central Plateau. 

After a leisurely stroll? Walk the 5km loop track circling beautiful Lake Rotopounamu. Get the heart rate going a little more on the 3-4hr return track to the Mount Urchin trig and be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Taupō and the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park.

The 10km Kawakawa Bay Walkway/Mountain Bike Track (K2K) also has great views of Lake Taupō. Camp overnight and try some outdoor rock climbing the next day.

For a different experience, kayak to the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, an impressive 14m high wall hand-carved by artist Matahi Brightwell only accessible by water.

Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings

Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings

Enjoy a unique culinary experience

These dining out and in-home experiences are the perfect complement to your Central Plateau adventures.

Grab a casual drink and wood-fired pizza from The Bay or some fresh Vietnamese cuisine from Central Wok.

Part cafe, part pottery workshop, part magical art gallery - L’Arte Cafe & Gallery is the most unique cafe you’ll ever visit.

Savour a burger and beer at Rust Gourmet Burger Bar or a classic steak with truffle mash from Hare & Copper. If it’s fine wine in front of a roaring fireplace you’re after, look no further than Tongariro Lodge.

Don’t feel like going out? Try an intimate in-home dining experience with award-winning chef Prue Campbell through Yum w/Prue. Chef Nikki from Wild Roots will come to your holiday home and create a bespoke five-course menu for your preferences and dietary requirements or send you a food box to plate up yourself.

Chef Nikki from Wild Roots will come to your holiday home and create a bespoke five-course menu

Chef Nikki from Wild Roots will come to your holiday home and create a bespoke five-course menu

Cosy up under the stars

Snuggle up with a good book or film in a luxurious lodge, or glamp under starlit skies at an off-grid rural property.

Lodge accommodation
Omori and Pukawa: A secluded holiday haven on the south-east edge of Lake Taupō. 
Braxmere Lodge: Self-contained apartments a hop, skip and a jump away from walking trails and mountains.
Oreti Village Resort: Rustic accommodation surrounded by bush and beautiful lake views.
Tongariro Lodge: A homely, peaceful setting on the banks of the Tongariro River.

Off-grid rural accommodation
Kawawaka Hut: This off-grid hut has all you need for a romantic rural retreat. 
Telephone Exchange: An off-grid glamping retreat complete with outdoor bath for relaxation under the stars.
Tongariro Adventures BnBs: Unwind in a tranquil setting in one of four different accommodation options.
Te Tuhi Hut: Unplug at this romantic retreat perched on a hillside overlooking farmland, native bush and Lake Taupō.
Kinloch Glamping: A spacious safari tent complete with twin outdoor baths, beanbags, outdoor fire and farm-fresh milk.




Kawakawa Hut

Kawakawa Hut

Plan your perfect winter escape to the Taupō region at LoveTaupō.com



Couple fishing in Western Bays

Couple fishing in Western Bays