Taupo is a small township sitting in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island Volcanic Area. It is also on the north-east shore of Lake Taupo; a local recommended freshwater fishing area. Even though the township is not as big as Rotorua, but there are still some exciting adventures waiting for you.
Entertainment
Huka Prawn Park, an adventure of fun with many land and water activities to explore. Entry fee is required, but the attraction has prawn catching, paddle boarding, trout viewing, tree climbing, and many more — an unforgettable experience for friends and family.
Ongoing from the morning of exploring and sightseeing our stomachs starts advising us to eat, Huka Prawn Park Restaurant, an 18-minute drive using State Highway 1 is the best of choices. The freshwater prawns just lifted from the lake is mouthwatering just writing this. My recommendation is the Steamed Whole Prawns tossed in Garlic Butter, the scent flowing from the kitchen and taste of the sweet and fresh prawn you will never forget. Many other options on the menu are delicious, which you can try as well.
After enjoying the scenery and filling lunch. We went on a jetboat ride located on the left of the restaurant called Huka Fall Jet. The Jet Boat ride is a fast and wet watering activity allowing you to explore a close sighting of the waterfall.
Wharewaka Point: a view of the largest freshwater lake in the country Lake Taupo. During the travel of winter, the lake is very active, and it would wave like the ocean, intense and sturdy. However, there are some times as peace as sparkle stars in the sky with the opportunity to find the exposed undersea colonies by the crystal-clear water. May you be lucky to see the active volcano under the colonies?
Taupo Golf Club: 6,025 meters – 18-hole golf course opens for all experiences. Taupo Golf club sets among thermal activity and a perfect view of Mt Tauhara. It offers modern facilities and services to provide you with an enjoyable golfing experience in Taupo.
Skydive Taupo: a great option it has four different dive experiences. The place to start with your extreme sport pathway. For a more convenient they provide a pickup and drop off service, which will shorten your time in arriving at the park and making more time for fun.
Food
On the way back to our accommodation, we stopped by Huka Honey Hive, a store filled with New Zealand honey and small activities for kids. Adults can have a pleasure of tasting the different honey samples and an afternoon tea snack.
More food recommendations:
Incredible India Restaurant and Bar：Top rated restaurant in Taupo, open for lunch and dinner. The butter chicken with roti is incredibly mouthwatering. Mango lassi is the dessert to accompany after the mains are served.
The Bistro: a European style dining experience at an affordable price, open for Dinner only. An entrée of calamari, pork belly as a main, with crème brûlée and a glass of cold white wine is to die for here.
Accommodation
We stayed at the Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels Taupo, where a view of the lake was magnificent during the day and night. The hotel provided free Wi-Fi, a gym, and a pool. The Wi-Fi was at high speed which we all enjoy. The room was very comfortable, especially when I am very fussy when it comes to sleeping.
More accommodations recommendation:
Hilton Lake Taupo：15 mins from Taupo Airport, with an offer of a relaxing stay. A hit of the fitness centre for a workout or plays tennis. The sauna, steam room, and heated spa pool are facilities within. Also, they have perfect for a special event, with a magnificent view over NZ’s largest lake as well as seven conference and meeting rooms, a boardroom with adjoining gardens and thermal valley.
The Reef Resort：The resort offers a heated pool and thermal water spa pool. There is a range of studios and one-bedroom units available with spa baths and unlimited WiFi. Also, they have two beautiful lakefront luxury apartments on the lake edge.
Lake Taupo Holiday Resort：Spa? Poolside screen movie? Swim-up café and bar? Kids playground and Funzone? You can enjoy having everything with accommodation options to suit any holiday, whether, for a getaway with the family, group events, or business, you will enjoy the relaxed and comfortable sleep. They offer AI online system which can easy to answer web visitors questions. On the site, they offer a thermally heated pool where the kids can splash in the warm water for hours. You can enjoy the café and bar services with a movie showed on the giant poolside screen from the luxury of the thermally heated pool.